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Advantis Credit Union's New Headquarters: A Triumph in Mass Timber Construction

Updated: 21 hours ago


In the heart of Oregon City, a testament to sustainable architecture has taken root: the Advantis Credit Union Corporate Headquarters. 


This stunning project, completed in October 2022, showcases the beauty and practicality of mass timber construction. Spanning 76,220 square feet and standing two stories tall, the headquarters serves as a beacon of innovation, environmental consciousness, and community engagement.


A well lit buidling facade from the outside of a credit union headquarters.
Photo Credits: Ryan Gobuty

A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Community.


Advantis Credit Union has a rich 90-year history serving the Portland metropolitan area. A fantastic team consolidated its administrative spaces into a campus that mirrored its dedication to the community and financial well-being. The resulting design, a collaborative effort between Advantis, Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company (KNCC), and the additional subcontractors, shows a commitment to sustainability.


“One aspect that particularly stood out was the client’s commitment to creating a workplace that would appeal to their team and foster a true sense of community,” shared Anne B. Monnier, Structural Principal at KPFF. “This project provided us with an excellent opportunity to transform a previously undeveloped site that was once a commercial nursery, into a unique and vibrant workplace.”


Embracing the Advantages of Mass Timber.


The headquarters consists of three distinct buildings with exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam). The choice of mass timber was intentional, driven not just by its aesthetic appeal but also by its sustainable and renewable properties.

This commitment to sustainability aligns with Advantis' vision. The project, certified as a "Path to Net Zero" project by the Energy Trust of Oregon, goes above and beyond by exceeding the AIA 2030 Challenge goals for energy use reduction.


The Outside of a credit union with landscaping and mixed materials used. Wood, metal, and glass.
Photo Credits: Ryan Gobuty

Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Success.


The construction journey had its challenges. The project faced significant supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and a State of Emergency in Canada, impacting the delivery of essential CLT and glulam components.


"Widespread supply chain disruptions… led to limited trucking and delays in delivering the necessary CLT and glulam columns and beams," recounted KNCC. "Despite these setbacks, KNCC and its trade partners worked extended hours, including weekends, to ensure the project was completed on schedule."


The resulting campus is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the entire project team. The headquarters boasts a remarkable 86% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an average U.S. building of similar size, and the mass timber structure alone contributed to a carbon impact reduction of 419,945 kgCO2eq compared to a steel framing system. 


An overview mass timber inside the credit union building of the staircases, the wooden mass timber beams and CLT panels on the ceilings. You can see the lobby and the 2nd floor at the same time.
Photo Credits: Ryan Gobuty

Creating a Workplace Focused on Well-being.


Beyond its sustainability, the headquarters prioritizes the well-being of its occupants. The design incorporates abundant natural light, open workspaces, and inviting communal areas.

"The emphasis on employee wellness is prevalent throughout the entire campus," shared KNCC. "Colorful, commissioned murals line the walls, endless light penetrates every inch of workspace, a walking loop with fitness stations connects to a nearby trail, and there are multiple spaces for undisrupted work and employee connection and socialization. Mass timber also contributes to this by providing a warm and inviting atmosphere connected to the surrounding environment."


TVA Architects’ Principal Tim Wybenga also highlighted this unique design approach. "One of the most unique aspects of this project was that we were designing an office campus at a time when much of the world was increasingly shifting toward remote and hybrid work," he explained. "We tackled this challenge by focusing our design on creating a true campus environment, featuring inspiring shared spaces, indoor-outdoor work opportunities, a focus on wellness and natural light, and, of course, the use of mass timber throughout."


A unique view of the working space and lobby of the credit union building. A ceiling made of wooden CLT panels and unique lighting shaped like arrows.
Photo Credits: Ryan Gobuty

A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration.


The Advantis Credit Union Corporate Headquarters is a model for future construction projects. It demonstrates the viability and beauty of mass timber while promoting sustainability, community engagement, and employee well-being. The project's success is a testament to the team's collaborative spirit, proving that innovative design and sustainable practices can go hand in hand.


This project has garnered well-deserved recognition, earning 2nd place in the 2023 DJC Top Projects awards in the “Office—New Construction” category. The Advantis Credit Union Corporate Headquarters inspires the future of sustainable and community-focused construction, demonstrating that beautiful design and responsible practices can coexist.



An outside image of the exterior of the credit union building with landscaping and a path.
Photo Credits: Ryan Gobuty

Project Team:

This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the Advantis Credit Union Corporate Headquarters project. In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.


If you want the Mass Timber Group to report on an amazing mass timber project you've worked on, REQUEST IT HERE


If you want to learn more about mass timber construction, network with industry peers, and hear from world-class experts, check out the annual conference we host - the Mass Timber Group Summit.

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