With a 9 hectare (37,000m2) solid wood roof, the new terminal gives the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest. Passengers will enjoy views of the airfield throughout the journey, abundant natural light, and interior landscapes that reflect the region’s natural beauty.
“The new main terminal is a testament to the vision of our great customer, the Port of Portland.” said Sharron van der MeulenManaging Partner of ZGF. “The design reflects the best of our region and at the same time offers other airports a new model for expansion and renovation to meet the travel needs of future generations.”
The expanded terminal is the largest mass timber project of its kind and was designed with a focus on people and place. Intimate plazas with tree-lined retail spaces are reminiscent Portland pedestrian-friendly streets. Street furniture and plant-filled gathering places of various sizes invite travelers to relax and enjoy their surroundings in an oasis of well-being.
Instead of building a completely new terminal, Portland and ZGF decided to renovate and expand on site to keep the airport fully operational during the five-year construction phase while achieving time and CO2 savings. This strategy was made possible, among other things, by a prefabricated wooden roof that extends over the expanded lobby, check-in and security areas.
The solid wood roof is a technical marvel and the heart of the extension. It pays tribute to the condition of Oregon’s history of forest product innovation while showing what is possible for the future of solid wood design and sustainable wood sourcing. All 3.5 million board feet (8 250 m3) Wood for the roof comes from within a 300-mile (480 km) radius of Portland Airport and includes wood from small family forests, nonprofit organizations and tribal nations.
The project’s sustainable design sets a new standard for airports worldwide. The main terminal will achieve a 50% reduction in energy consumption per square meter using a highly efficient, all-electric geothermal heat pump while doubling terminal capacity. A second phase of the project is currently underway and will be completed in early 2026.
For more information about the project, see: Expansion of the main terminal at PDX Airport
For further information, pictures or interviews: (email protected)
About ZGF: Climate, context and community are fundamental to every project in ZGF’s diverse work portfolio. From an office with strong regional roots in the Pacific Northwest to a global company with over 750 employees and seven offices in North AmericaThe firm’s national reputation was recognized with the Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects, which recognized the firm’s “high standards, humanistic concerns and unique ability to capture the spirit of a place and the aspirations of its inhabitants.” For more information, visit www.zgf.com.
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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2481646/zgf_Logo.jpg
