MAD Architects Unveils Residential Block with Dramatic Canyon-Like Crack in Facade Inspired by Rocky Mountains

MAD Architects Unveils Residential Block with Dramatic Canyon-Like Crack in Facade Inspired by Rocky Mountains

International studio MAD Architects has unveiled One River North, a residential apartment block in Denver, Colorado, featuring a large, canyon-like opening in its main facade.This 15-storey building, designed to reflect the nearby Rocky Mountains, showcases a curved glass western facade with a dramatic cut that mimics natural rock formations. Read more on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

Canyon-Inspired Façade

The 15-storey One River North apartment block, located near a major interstate and light rail line, features a curved western facade clad in glass with a massive cut that “cracks” the building open. MAD Architects aimed to create an imposing reference to natural rock formations against a typical residential facade.

A massive boulder placed in the lobby necessitated extra reinforcement for the foundation slab, echoing the state's natural environment. While the west-facing facade received much attention, the rear features a blend of glass and opaque panels, designed to resemble "fractured rock." The reflective glass on the west side captures the mountains' reflections at certain times. The One River North block comprises 187 rental units, incorporating rich woods in private spaces to maintain a connection to the building's natural themes.

Textured Plaster Canyon Frames Lobby and Outdoor Spaces

The building's center reveals cave-like plaster elements resembling a canyon. Principal Ma Yansong described it as “a natural space cracking open a modern box.” This vertical canyon incorporates gardens, outdoor spaces, and water features, connecting indoor amenities while allowing residents and visitors to enjoy views from multiple levels.

The "canyon" features textured plaster that protrudes from the glass curtain wall, framing the lobby and stepping down into public areas at the building's base. Starting on the sixth level, it includes a terrace with an outdoor staircase leading to the ninth level, where glass-enclosed amenity spaces are recessed behind the outdoor areas.

Outdoor Staircase Mimics Colorado's Mountain Trails

The outdoor staircase simulates Colorado's mountainous trails, featuring plantings at various levels that reflect different biomes.

Vegetation at the canyon's base represents the foothills, while the rooftop showcases pine trees typical of the alpine plateau.

The rooftop features a pool with a waterfall designed to mimic erosion, complemented by aggregate-heavy cement columns.

MAD Architects' Jon Kontuly emphasized the importance of creating an immersive experience through various design elements, incorporating diverse landscapes, scents, sounds, and water features.

Cave-Like Public Spaces and Private Balconies

The public indoor areas, including the resident lounge, feature plaster cladding for a cave-like ambiance. 

Between the ninth floor and the rooftop, private balconies are nestled within the crack, with plantings strategically chosen based on wind and sun analysis to support thriving micro-climates.

Project Details

Client: The MAX Collaborative
Architectural design: MAD Architects
Executive architect: Davis Partnership Architects
Contractor: Saunders Construction
Interior designer: The Interior Studio at Davis Partnership Architects
Structural engineer: Jirsa Hedrick
MEP engineer: ME Engineers
Landscape: Davis Partnership Architects
Civil consultant: Kimley-Horn
Photo Courtesy:  Iwan Baan
Owner: The MAX Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners, Zakhem Real Estate Group
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

This Lotus-Inspired Facade Tackles Mumbai’s Strict Redevelopment Building Codes | Satguru’s Rendezvous

The development comprises two distinct residential towers, namely, an 8-storey building for the original members of the housing society and a 23-storey tower featuring sale units, both positioned to offer expansive views of the Arabian Sea.

Read more

Industrial Chic Meets Tropical Landscape in a Tic-Tac-Toe-Inspired Facade | House XO

A major challenge of the site was its limited area, which demanded strategic spatial organization to accommodate essential functions like parking, privacy and seamless interior circulation.

Read more

This Home’s Wavy Brick Facade Stands Bold in Pondicherry’s Coastal Landscape | House of Dancing Cactus

The most striking aspect of the House of Dancing Cactus is its rolling facade that is crafted entirely from exposed bricks.

Read more

A Facade Of Grey Metal And Timber Frames | Plan Loci

The apartment block is born out of rational considerations. While maximizing floor space, the facade breaks its own apparent monotony with strict geometries that do not reveal their underlying discipline. Its sinuous grey metal exterior creates an industrial look

Read more


This is alt