Great Glazing | One River North 

Above: Canyon-inspired façade of One River North features high-performance Vitro Architectural Glass configurations. Photo courtesy of Tom Kessler. 

Architect: MAD Architects 
Glass Manufacturer: Vitro Architectural Glass 
Glass Fabricator: Millet Glass Industry 
Glazing Contractor: Alliance Glazing Technologies 

Located in Denver’s River North Art District, the One River North mixed-use tower is defined by a striking cracked-open façade that carves a four-story canyon both horizontally and vertically through the structure. Inspired by natural erosion, this design feature incorporates over 13,000 square feet of landscaped terraces and amenity spaces, creating a unique connection between the urban and natural environments. 

The challenge 

The One River North project required complex design solutions to execute its canyon-inspired “cracked” façade. Achieving this vision necessitated intricate geometric modeling to harmonize aesthetic intent with structural integrity. Key technical challenges included fabricating and installing varied, non-standard glass modules and engineering a curved façade illusion using flat components. Success relied on balancing transparency and reflectivity while integrating biophilic elements, and early multi-team collaboration. 

The design 

MAD Architects designed a building that offers residents stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. A canyon-like structure cuts through the façade, merging the natural and built environments. To achieve this vision, the project utilized two high-performance products from Vitro Architectural Glass to meet its aesthetic and performance goals. 

For most of the tower, architects specified Solarban® R100 Acuity® glass. Its neutral aesthetic and high reflectivity allow the façade to mirror the Rocky Mountains. This combination of a solar-control low-emissivity coating with high-clarity low-iron glass provides superior thermal efficiency and visual transparency, offering occupants clear views and privacy. In contrast, Solarban® 72 Acuity® glass was used for the retail podium and residential patios. This choice offers superior transparency with proven energy efficiency, creating a brighter, more open envelope at the pedestrian level. It also improves daylighting within public spaces and deeper interior areas of the residential spaces. 

The result 

One River North successfully integrates biophilic design with high-density urban architecture, establishing a new benchmark for mixed-use developments. Through the innovative use of Solarban® R100 Acuity® and Solarban® 72 Acuity® glasses, the building achieves a precise balance of reflectivity, transparency and energy efficiency, making One River North a visually striking sustainable structure in the heart of Denver. 

Visit vitroglazings.com for more information about Vitro’s high-performance architectural glass.