International studio MAD Architects has unveiled the One River North apartment block in Denver, Colorado, which has a large, canyon-like opening breaking open its main facade.
Named One River North, the residential block in Denver's northern RiNo neighbourhood was designed as a nod to geographic formations in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
MAD Architects has unveiled the One River North apartment block in Denver
Located next to a major interstate and light rail line, the 15-storey block's western facade has a curved facade clad in a glass curtain wall with a massive cut "cracking" the building open.
MAD Architects wanted the reference to natural rock formations to appear to be imposing itself on an otherwise typical residential facade. The middle of the building was opened up to reveal plaster, cave-like elements that resembled a canyon
"The canyon looks like a natural space cracking open a modern box," MAD Architects principal Ma Yansong told Dezeen.
"In this vertical canyon, we've introduced gardens, outdoor spaces, and water features that connect all the indoor amenities, allowing residents and visitors to step outside and enjoy the spaces and views from multiple levels."
It is located in Denver's RiNo neighbourhood. Photo by Parrish Ruiz de Velasco
This "canyon" was created using textured plaster that protrudes from the glass curtain wall, at the lobby level and along the stepped public areas and along the base of the building, fra...