Ichi

“Ichi” (meaning “one”) is a modern interpretation of Japanese design principles into a single-stair egress (point access block) multifamily which marries the serenity of Kanso (“simplicity”) and Shizen (“connection with nature”) with Denver's urban vibrancy, creating a space where simplicity, nature, and community thrive.

The challenge was to reimagine a 5,500 sq. ft. parcel at 1338 Emerson Street, zoned G-MU-5, as a six-story multifamily development that tackles affordability and livability issues in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood while demonstrating the potential of a single-egress stair to enhance architectural, development and community outcomes. The project aims to address the affordable housing shortage by introducing innovative infill solutions that optimize smaller urban parcels such as this.