American design studio ZGF Architects has completed a new expansion design project at the Portland International Airport. It is at the main terminal and defined by the large mass-timber rooftop that was prefabricated to keep the airport in function. The large roof is made from metal and glue-laminated timber, which is also known as glulam. It created a slew of beams and lattices which span over nine acres.
The studio speaks about the new space, "Undulating in a basket weave of arches and scalloped shapes, a 400,000-square-feet glulam beam and lattice 'overstory' is supported by a grid of 34 Y-shaped columns that branch upwards 36 feet above the terminal floor. The lattice is comprised of nearly 35,000 three-by-six-inch pieces of Douglas fir."
Mass-Timber Airport Rooftops
ZGF Architects Completes the Portland International Airport Expansion
Trend Themes
1. Mass-timber Construction - Utilizing mass-timber in major construction projects can lead to significant advancements in sustainable architecture.
2. Prefabricated Architectural Elements - The use of prefabricated elements allows for large-scale structures to be built more efficiently while minimizing disruptions.
3. Innovative Roofing Designs - Creative and sustainable roofing solutions, such as glulam-based designs, are reshaping modern infrastructural aesthetics and functionality.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Architecture - Advancement in sustainable materials like mass-timber offers new avenues for eco-friendly building practices.
2. Prefabrication and Modular Construction - Enhanced use of prefabrication technology is revolutionizing the construction industry by reducing build times and costs.
3. Airport Infrastructure Development - Innovative design approaches in airport terminal expansions are creating more functional and aesthetically pleasing travel hubs.