Tall & Urban News

This $2.15 billion USD project for Portland's renovated airport facility replaces a collection of old structures with a breathtaking new terminal, featuring an intricate 380,000-square-foot (35,303 square meter) Douglas fir roof. This massive timber structure is made from over 800 curved glulam beams, 842,000 board feet of mass plywood, and more than 36,900 pieces of infill panels. Utilizing advanced tools like CNC milling and BIM modeling, it combines timber with steel Y-columns, creating one of the largest mass timber roof in the United States and of its kind globally.

The design plays with scale and texture, evoking the hulls of boats and offering a calming, warm environment that contrasts with typical airport settings. Skylights, timber pavilions, and live trees enhance the rustic feel, while glass curtain walls connect travelers to the outdoors. The layout incorporates local retailers and reflects the dimensions of Portland's culture and streets, with public art and nods to the city’s artsy heritage, including the airport’s iconic green carpet.

Sustainability was a key focus: the timber roof reduced embodied carbon by about 125% compared to steel, and the reuse of the original terminal’s lower levels contributed to a 70% overall reduction. All timber was sourced within a 300-mile radius, ensuring a 100% traceable and local supply.

Learn more about this story at The Architect's Newspaper.