One River North

by tristan_marks | May 15, 2025 2:33 pm

A glass skyscraper reflects the sunset. The mixed-use building features an organic design that cut through the middle of the structure and rises to the top. — Photo courtesy Arch-Exist

One River North (ORN), a 31,835 m² (342,674 sf) mixed-use development in Denver, evokes a compelling slice of the natural world. Inspired by the varied topography found throughout Colorado, including slot canyons, foothills, and subalpine forests, the 16-story building integrates design innovation, economic feasibility, and sustainable elements. The global firm MAD Architects designed the building and developed by The Max Collaborative.

A close-up of the building's organic design. — The slot canyon-inspired facade of One River North (ORN) in Denver, Colo. *Photo courtesy Arch-Exist*

Biophilic design components

The project features a striking facade inspired by the slot canyons and foothills of Colorado’s surrounding natural landscape, adeptly utilizing biophilic design elements. ORN offers 1,207 m²(13,000 sf) of landscaped terraces with panoramic cityscape views, waterfall features audible at street level, and a rooftop terrace reminiscent of subalpine forests. This area includes a garden, pool, and spa. Further, an open-air walkway evocative of canyon trails meanders through the structure from the sixth to ninth floors. Moreover, units from the ninth to 16^th floors include large private balconies.

Overall, ORN’s design exemplifies current biophilic trends in residential developments, providing residents with increased direct and indirect access to nature. The project’s extensive use of incorporated green spaces and natural elements sets a new standard for urban livability.

“Cities are often built with rigid structures that prioritize efficiency over experience,” says Ma Yansong, founder and principal partner of MAD. “Here, we sought to introduce fluidity, both in its organic forms and how people interact with the space.”

A view of a balcony in the organic facade part of the building. To the left is a glass door and to the right a staircase winds up to the next floor. — A portion of the walkway meanders through the building from the sixth to ninth floors. *Photo courtesy Arch-Exist*

The canyon-inspired facade

The MAD design team utilized innovative construction techniques to implement the project’s canyon-like facade. The design features a sculpted, four-story amenity space inspired by natural erosion, resembling a slot canyon. To achieve the intricate form of these walls, the team developed a “chip” system—custom prefabricated panels constructed from digitally fabricated metal bars coated with manually applied plaster. This parametric fabrication process enabled a direct translation of the complex digital design into a built reality.

The “chip” surface is offset to account for the thickness of the plaster, with structural metal bars—typically #3 bars, approximately 9.53 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter—modeled to form the underlying framework. Bar bending data is generated alongside fabrication and installation drawings. The same tessellated surface serves as an input to engineer and produce shop drawings, fabrication details, and installation guides for the secondary steel structure.

Several round stools sit around a circular table indoors. To the left a set of windows looks outside, while several snake plants sit in the foreground. — Interior of a common area in One River North (ORN). *Photo courtesy Arch-Exist*

Economic feasibility

Once an industrial area, the ORN development is located in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo). This thriving neighborhood attracts various demographics, including young professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and artists. The building provides 187 rental units, 14 of which are income-restricted—a primary component that allowed for 16 stories rather than 12 stories. Monthly rents range from $1,800 to $16,000 USD. In addition, ORN offers 836 m² (9,000 sf) of retail space, ensuring a more walkable neighborhood.

“Designing with economic feasibility in mind does not mean sacrificing ambition,” says Yansong. “It means thinking strategically about material use, structural efficiencies, and how much design choice contributes to the overall experience.”

“At The Max Collaborative, it’s in our DNA to create thriving, livable communities,” adds Kevin Ratner, co-founder and managing partner at The Max Collaborative. “One River North reflects our commitment to thoughtful investment—enhancing the lives of residents while enriching the surrounding neighborhood.”

The ORN project addresses the increasing necessity for high-density mixed-use developments that foster the health and well-being of residents. The building has received Fitwell certification, the system originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), with a vision to improve occupant wellbeing.

By providing a living environment that promotes a connection to nature and emphasizes a sense of community, ORN serves as a criterion for the future of urban development.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/features/one-river-north/