This month, Portland International Airport’s (PDX) main terminal expansion opened to passengers. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the 900,000-square-foot project will double PDX’s capacity and enable the airport to handle 35 million passengers annually by 2045.
With a 36,000 square meter solid wood roof, the two billion dollar renovation and expansion of the terminal is the largest solid wood project of its kind, according to a ZGF press release.
The new terminal is designed to evoke the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest. The terminal offers airfield views, abundant natural light, and interior landscapes that reflect the region’s natural beauty. Designed at a neighborhood scale, the project offers cozy plazas with tree-lined retail shops and planted gathering spaces.
“Everyone loves Portland International Airport,” said Gene Sandoval, ZGF partner, in the statement. “We had a huge task to evolve a terminal that is essentially several buildings pieced together since the 1950s – and to double the capacity while creating an experience that passengers and employees will love as much as the original.”
As the centerpiece of the expansion, the prefabricated wood roof spans the expanded lobby, check-in and security areas. The 3.5 million board feet of lumber for the roof – as well as for wood concessions, floors and accent walls – were sourced from within 300 miles of PDX and include wood from small family forests, nonprofit organizations and tribal nations.
The Port of Portland and ZGF chose to renovate and expand on site rather than build a completely new terminal. This approach saved time and schedule and reduced carbon emissions by 70% compared to new construction. The airport remained fully operational during the five-year construction phase.
“The design reflects the best of our region while offering other airports a new model for expansion and renovation to meet the travel needs of future generations,” said Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner of ZGF, in the statement.
While doubling capacity, the main terminal achieves a 50% reduction in energy consumption per square meter with an all-electric geothermal heat pump. Robust construction strategies enable the terminal to withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake.
A second phase of the project, currently underway and due to be completed in early 2026, will create more retail and dining options as well as emergency exits on the north and south sides of the terminal.
About the construction team:
Client: Port of Portland
Architect and interior designer: ZGF
Structural engineering: KPFF Consulting Engineers (main project), Arup
MEP Engineer: PAE Engineers (primary), Arup
Geotechnical engineer: GRI
Civil Engineering and Airfield Planning: HNTB
General Contractor: Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture
Pre-construction services: Turner Construction
