A Green Wave in the Beaver State
Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon serves up a slice of architectural innovation that is as fulfilling as its renowned glazed Voodoo Doughnuts. Combining the state’s penchant for eco-friendliness and a dare-to-be-different attitude, there is a fresh perspective on sustainable architecture that’s gently reshaping the Oregon landscape.
A Lesson from the High Desert
The Oregon High Desert is one tough customer. Arid, windswept, nothing like the rain-soaked valleys on the west side of the Cascades that most folks imagine when they think, ‘Ah, beautiful Oregon.’ But in this stark scenery, Bend has become the epitome of sustainability, with the building known as “Tykeson Hall” on the Cascades Campus of Oregon State University making waves.
Tykeson Hall is not an ordinary structure. Underneath the expert craftsmanship that reflects the alpine aesthetic synonymous with Bend, you’ll find a living example of eco-conscious architectural design. Its design features sustainably harvested timber and energy-efficient fixtures are a nod to the surrounding sublime beauty of Mt. Bachelor and Deschutes National Forest while also cutting down on its carbon footprint.
Portland’s Green Skyscrapers
There’s more to Portland than Powell’s Books and the enchanting Rose Garden. While these treasures speak volumes of Portland’s love for the natural and written word, a visit to the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building offers a different kind of tale.
This 18-story marvel in downtown Portland is covered in a veil of “reeds,” vertical aluminum rods that serve to shade the sunniest parts of the building. It even utilizes rainwater for its restroom facilities – a classic case of making the famous Portland drizzle work for them. Now that’s using every bit of the buffalo, don’t ya think?
The Green Heart of Eugene
In the heart of Willamette Valley lies the spirited city of Eugene, fondly known as the ‘Emerald City.’ In downtown Eugene, The University of Oregon’s Wayne L. Morse Federal Courthouse stands out as a paragon of sustainable design. This gorgeous building, nestled along Millrace Canal, is built using Forest Stewardship Council-certified Oregon White Oak, an aesthetic and sustainable win.
The building’s exterior is as impressive as the inside. Its reflective pool not only adds an aesthetic appeal but cools the surrounding by offsetting heat islands. If you’ve ever dealt with an Oregon summer, you’ll know what a blessing that can be.
From Waste to Wonder in Salem
In Oregon’s capital city of Salem, the Cottage Street Apartments radiate a notion of change and resilience. These apartments, crafted from the remnants of an old parking lot, show that ‘waste’ is merely a state of mind. The mixed-use development scooped up a lot of attention due to its on-site stormwater management system. It’s an impressive stride towards resilient urban planning that could put Old Salem on the map in new ways.
Tillamook Station’s Tiny Triumph
In the lush Dairylands of Tillamook, the Tillamook Row addresses affordability and sustainability in one neat package. These energy-efficient homes, with their rainwater harvesting systems and photovoltaic roofs, embody the principle of ‘living small to live large.’ This is the kind of forward-thinking that transforms a lousy day stuck inside during a classic Oregon rainstorm into a cozy moment of sustainable principle.
The Ecological Jewel of Oregon’s Eastern Plains
In the quiet eastern part of Oregon, known for Pendleton wool and the Wallowa Mountains, a sustainable jewel awaited its admirers. The Burns High School Biomass Facility uses locally sourced waste wood instead of pricey and non-renewable oil to heat the school. Talk about making the grade in sustainability!
Looking Towards a Greener Future
From the High Desert to the metropolitan wonder of Portland, sustainable building in Oregon is a testament to our pioneering spirit and our unwavering love for the rolling green countryside, the quietly formidable mountains, and the vast, sparkling coastline.
So, the next time the grey, Oregon sky opens up a bit, take a moment to admire these architectural marvels that respect both the legacy of the Beaver State and the future we have the privilege to shape. Maybe it will stir a bit of Oregon green-fervor within yourself because, as the saying goes, ‘we don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children’. Whether it’s in the shadow of the Cascades or on the sunny side of Pendleton, Oregon is building a future that honors just that sentiment.