American studio ZGF Architects has completed a significant expansion of Portland International Airport’s main terminal, featuring a massive prefabricated mass-timber roof to maintain airport operations during construction.
A Nine-Acre Timber Roof
The newly installed roof, constructed from metal and glued-laminated timber (glulam), spans over 400,000 square feet (37,161 square meters) and covers nine acres (3.64 hectares). The roof, which features an undulating pattern and 49 skylights, was designed to double the airport’s operational space and unify facilities built since the 1950s.
Design Inspired by Nature
ZGF Architects likened the structure to the “overstory” of a forest, with the roof’s lattice made from nearly 35,000 pieces of Douglas fir, supported by Y-shaped columns. The roof, a hybrid design, integrates the wood with steel girders to create a dynamic and expansive space.
Prefabrication and Local Sourcing
To avoid disrupting airport operations, the roof was prefabricated on-site in a separate area and then moved into place. The materials used for the roof were sourced within a 300-mile radius of the airport, contributing to a 70% reduction in the building’s embodied carbon footprint.
A Biophilic and Sustainable Approach
ZGF Architects worked with landscape architecture studio Place to incorporate 72 large trees and 5,000 plants into the terminal, creating a forest-like atmosphere. The design emphasizes sustainability, featuring electric heating, high-quality glazing, and resilient construction capable of withstanding a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.
Modular and Adaptable Design
The terminal’s interior spaces, including concessions and lounges, were designed with a modular approach inspired by Portland’s short city blocks. This allows for flexibility in the arrangement of wooden stalls and other features.
A New Standard for Airport Design
ZGF Architects’ work on Portland International Airport sets a new benchmark for sustainable airport design, achieving a 50% reduction in energy use per square foot while significantly expanding the terminal’s capacity. The final phases of the renovation are expected to be completed by 2026.
Photos: Ema Peter
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