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As summer comes to a close, we're proud to showcase some of our most exciting projects yet, putting mass timber at center stage in the Pacific Northwest.
Main image: Tour attendee takes a photo at the location of a Good Neighbor Authority Timber Sale in the Willamette National Forest.
From the Port of Portland's grand unveiling of the new mass timber roof at PDX to pioneering work on the TDI mass plywood workforce housing prototype, we're setting new standards in design and sustainability. Join us as we explore how these cutting-edge developments are driving forward the future of construction, addressing critical challenges in housing, and reinforcing Oregon’s leadership in sustainable innovation.
On August 14th, the Port of Portland celebrated a major milestone with the official opening of the main terminal at Portland International Airport. This state-of-the-art terminal features a stunning 9-acre mass timber roof, constructed using 2.6 million board feet of locally sourced timber from Oregon forests. The design not only highlights the beauty and strength of mass timber but also brings this sustainable material into the mainstream of large-scale construction.
In addition to the mass timber roof, the terminal incorporates biophilic design elements with over 70 living trees and more than 5,000 plants throughout the space, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. This focus on natural materials and green design sets a new standard for public buildings, showcasing how mass timber can be both functional and aesthetically transformative.
This unveiling also serves as a preview of other ambitious projects on the horizon, including the Port’s Mass Timber Innovation Campus at Terminal 2. As we continue to advance mass timber as a mainstream building material, these efforts are paving the way for more sustainable, resilient, and beautiful construction material. Click the video above for more on the PDX roof!
As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, mass timber housing is emerging as a potential game-changing solution. Not only does mass timber offer superior thermal and seismic resilience compared to traditional light-wood frame construction, but it also may present a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the housing crisis.
The team at TDI is at the forefront of this innovation, currently developing a groundbreaking two-story, two-bedroom prototype house. Spanning approximately 760 square feet, this prototype is designed as part of a "cottage cluster" or as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Remarkably its construction is built almost entirely from prefabricated mass plywood panels. These panels, ranging from 3 inches for the exterior walls, floors, and roof to 2 inches for the interior walls, are connected with steel plates, creating a robust and efficient structure.
The initial prototype is nearly complete, showcasing mass plywood walls, floors, and roof panels finished with a whitewash. With installed windows, interior doors, kitchen appliances, and cabinets, the space has been thoughtfully furnished to give a real sense of living in this innovative home.
In the coming months, the team will finalize additional interior details and conduct critical testing of various insulation and cladding assemblies on the exterior. The Emmerson Lab will also carry out structural tests on the mass plywood panels and steel connections, ensuring the durability and safety of the design.
Looking ahead, the Port of Portland plans to transform this prototype into a living demonstration of modular mass timber housing at the Mass Timber Housing Innovation Campus at Terminal 2 in Portland. This will not only showcase the potential of mass timber but also serve as a living model for affordable housing solutions.
After adjustments are made to the prototype based on insights gained, a request for proposals (RFP) to build a second prototype will be offered. This next phase will include insulation and cladding to test constructability and labor costs, followed by thermal and acoustic testing.
Mass timber housing is more than just an innovation—it's a critical step forward in creating affordable, resilient, and sustainable homes for our communities. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries and leading the way in this transformative industry.
Interested in seeing the MPP House Prototype in-person? Join us on Sept 19th for the Mass Timber Research Symposium at Oregon State University! Attendees will get an exclusive tour of the house. Click here for more information.
There's no better way to grasp the importance of forest restoration than to see it firsthand. In June, the Oregon Department of Forestry hosted a small group in the heart of the Willamette National Forest for the Federal Forest Restoration Tour. Tour participants represented the breadth of the mass timber supply chain - architecture, engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, and construction.
In collaboration with the Oregon Department of Forestry, USDA Forest Service, and Sustainable Northwest, the tour showcased resilience treatments and monitoring efforts that are strengthening the health of this vital landscape. These treatments include removing small trees and brush, allowing for new growth and fire resilience. The small trees that are removed are used to provide wood fiber to the state's growing mass timber industry, while financially supporting other forest restoration efforts.
Throughout the day, the group engaged in meaningful discussions about the critical role that restoration plays in the timber supply chain. The tour's focus was on transparency, accountability, and how these efforts are an essential part of the solution for fiber supply, forest health, and housing.
It was a day that reaffirmed the importance of our work, and we're grateful to everyone who joined us to learn, share, and contribute to the ongoing stewardship of our forests. If you missed the tour and would like to take part in one in the future, please reach out to us at hello@masstimbercoalition.org.
In May, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senator Ron Wyden, and Senator Jeff Merkley visited the future Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus at Terminal 2. They joined community leaders to discuss crucial regional issues, including housing, workforce opportunities, and climate resilience. During their visit, the Port received a $4 million Community Project Funding award to help drive the Innovation Campus project forward.
This funding is part of a broader effort led by Senators Merkley and Wyden, who secured over $75 million for 44 community-initiated projects across Oregon through the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) funding package. This includes critical investments in affordable housing and transportation infrastructure that will benefit communities throughout the state.
We’re proud to be leading efforts to develop sustainable housing solutions through the local mass timber industry and are grateful for the continued support that’s making these transformative changes possible.
Join us for the seventh annual Mass Timber Research and Design Symposium at Oregon State University for an exclusive preview of our MPP House Prototype.This event is a unique opportunity to explore important mass timber research and engage with experts on solutions for sustainable construction and affordable housing.
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