Portland Airport Grows with Expansive Mass Timber Roof Canopy
Portland Airport's terminal expansion features a mass timber roof canopy designed by ZGF, using local glulam Douglas Fir to reduce carbon footprint and enhance passenger experience, with completion expected by 2026.
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Portland Airport has unveiled an expansive mass timber roof canopy as part of its terminal expansion, designed by the architecture firm ZGF. This innovative structure utilizes glulam (glue laminated) Douglas Fir, sourced primarily from local, sustainable suppliers within a 300-mile radius, significantly reducing the building's carbon footprint. The design aims to reflect the Pacific Northwest's natural environment and cultural heritage, creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. The new terminal features a curvilinear roof supported by an open lattice structure, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior, which includes plazas and concessions that enhance passenger experience. The project emphasizes biophilic design, integrating natural elements to promote well-being. The phased construction strategy minimizes disruption, allowing the airport to expand without relocating existing gates. This terminal is noted as the largest mass timber building of its kind, setting a precedent for sustainable airport design. The next phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2026.
- Portland Airport's new terminal features a mass timber roof canopy designed by ZGF.
- The structure uses locally sourced glulam Douglas Fir, reducing the carbon footprint.
- The design incorporates natural light and biophilic elements to enhance passenger experience.
- The phased construction approach minimizes disruption during the expansion.
- The terminal is the largest mass timber building of its kind, with further phases planned for completion in 2026.
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- Many commenters praise the aesthetic appeal of the mass timber design, noting its beauty and the increased natural light in the terminal.
- Some users express concerns about wayfinding and foot traffic flow, suggesting that the new layout may be confusing compared to other airports.
- There are discussions about the environmental impact of air travel, with some commenters questioning the sustainability of the project despite its use of local materials.
- Several users draw comparisons to other airports with similar designs, highlighting a trend towards more natural and welcoming airport environments.
- Comments also touch on the cost of the renovation, with some noting the significant financial investment involved.
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The major functional drawback is that wayfinding for both arrivals and departures is much worse. The overall flow of foot traffic is way more confusing than say, the newer terminals at SFO.
It feels spacious, natural, functional, and hospitable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRAkjoUdN_I
Pretty impressive how they pulled it off while minimizing impact on airport operations.
Our largest airport (AKL) is in the process of rebuilding both domestic and international terminals. They are trying for a timber ceiling [1] with rubber floors [1]. It seems a confused design.
> A ‘cost-effective’' mix of durable carpeted and rubber flooring was being used inside and tray profile steel on the exterior. [0]
It can't be any worse than our current airport.
[1] https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/airlines/first...
[1] https://co2.myclimate.org/en/portfolios?calculation_id=75775...
[2] e.g. https://ieep.eu/publications/carbon-inequality-in-2030-per-c...
Here is an interesting video about its construction
https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/world-largest-log-cabin-por...
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/03/nx...
And: it’s exciting to see more mass timber construction in the PNW. Closer to home for me is the University of Washington’s Founder’s Hall: https://www.archpaper.com/2022/10/lmn-architects-completes-u...
https://springvalleycorp.ca/index.php/td-place-stadium/
Is similarly curved, has exposed yellow wood, with the same spacious layering construction.
$2.15 billion (yes, with a B).
(The international part anyway - the domestic terminal is plainer.)
Think of it: the moment you get into your airport of departure, you become a hamster that enters a giant virtual tube that ends at the exit doors at your destination airport. You are not even allowed to go outside and breathe fresh air, like in hi-security prison. A prison with nice wooden ceilings though.
[1] https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/apply/w...
Highly recommend Screen Door for southern breakfast when stopping through.
Wood slat partitions were seen in mid-century modern designs, when rooms became more open plan but some sense of division was needed. They were also used in the 1970s to make small cheap apartments look bigger.
Still, it's good to see some US airports looking better. Most of the Asian countries have much nicer airports than the US.
[1] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/wood-slat-partitio...
But this is nice. I like it. I wonder how well those trees do in such an indoor environment though.
It would do more good to make flying less attractive (more difficult) and unpleasant. Airports should reflect the ugliness of what they do to the environment. It should feel,a and smell, worse than walking into a 70s porn theater.
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