Holst Architecture Incorporates Sustainability Into Facades Of Portland Office Buildings

Holst Architecture took inspiration from Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí while designing commercial buildings in central Portland. The U.S. firm features curvaceous facades of the Portland office buildings wrapped in cedar.

The "One North" project by Holst Architecture consists of two sculptural buildings placed around a central courtyard, along with a third, rectilinear building by a different architect. The complex is located in the city's Williams District, an emerging site known for its breweries and coffee shops.

The buildings' facades clad in cedar are influenced by the famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, according to Dezeen. They are meant to convey a sense of movement and energy, and at the same time, help reduce energy usage, as to what Holst Architecture intends to accomplish.

This is because the driving concern for the architects was sustainability. The Holst Architecture team incorporated a wide range of eco-friendly strategies, which includes the usage of wood that was locally sourced and sustainably harvested.

"Material selection was critical, and we emphasized low-carbon footprint techniques, such as wood cladding, cellulose insulation, and mineral wool insulation," Holst Architecture said, according to Pedro. The team used airtight building envelopes, exterior shading devices, and highly efficiency mechanical systems to help reduce energy usage.

This includes uniquely accentuated window frames standing out from the buildings to provide exterior shading and reduce the need for cooling. Photovoltaic arrays are similarly used by Holst Architecture to help generate power for the development.

Meanwhile, the limited on-site parking encourages walking, cycling and the use of public transit. The central landscaped courtyard covers 14,000 square feet, and is open to tenants and the public.

The buildings "were modeled to perform 50 percent more efficiently than a typical new building in Oregon", the Holst Architecture team said. "They are also expected to be 60 percent more efficient than the average U.S. office building, including existing buildings."