Work has begun on MAD Architects’ third US project: a 16-storey residential building in Denver, Colorado, that features a striking ‘canyon’ in the building’s façade.
The project’s principal developers are The Max Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners and Wynne Yasmer Real Estate.
Davis Partnership Architects is serving as the executive architect and Saunders Construction is acting as the main contractor for the project – both Denver-based companies.
The Beijing-based MAD Architects are renowned for projects that imitate the natural world.
One River North will be an apartment block made up of 187 units and 1,200 sq.metres of green spaces, including a landscaped walkway that winds over four floors and a rooftop terrace complete with pool, spa, and garden.
“If we regard modern cities as man-made landscape on the earth, we need to design canyons, woods, creeks, and waterfalls, transforming concrete forests into second nature,” said MAD founder and principal, Ma Yansong.
The ‘canyon’ in the façade is a reference to Colorado’s dramatic mountain scenery.
Kevin Ratner, co-founder of The Max Collaborative, said: “The aim is to create a model that shows how we should be… surrounding ourselves in the natural environment, bringing nature into our homes and creating authentic, biophilic experiences coupled with modern comforts and conveniences.
“The nature-inspired design by MAD Architects was influenced by Colorado’s legendary landforms and merges nature and architecture to inspire a well-balanced life.
“Its glass façade is likewise ribbed with louvres that regulate sunlight and soften its visual presence, shaping a serene retreat in the sky.”
Image credit: One River North
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