The PAE Living Building, a five-story, 58,700-square-foot mixed-use structure in Portland, Oregon, stands as a testament to sustainable design and construction, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the built environment.
Completed in 2021, the building has garnered significant attention and accolades, including a 2024 COTE Top Ten Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and an ACEC National Engineering Excellence Grand Award in 2023. This mass timber-framed building in Portland's historic Old Town district is the largest developer-driven project to achieve complete Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). The building showcases innovative energy, water, and waste management solutions while prioritizing occupant health and well-being.
Designed to last 500 years, the PAE Living Building utilizes a hybrid structural system of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, glulam columns and beams, and concrete shear walls.
This combination of materials not only contributes to the building's durability and resilience, exceeding code minimums for seismic performance, but also significantly reduces its embodied carbon footprint.
One of the most notable aspects of the PAE Living Building is its commitment to using responsibly sourced materials. “All wood products, from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated wood beams to wood finishes and carpentry, were Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified,”- PAE LIVING BUILDING – Living Future Case Study said with a single exception for salvaged red maple trees on the project site.
This dedication to sustainable forestry practices is evident throughout the building, from the exposed timber structure to the custom-made reception desk crafted from salvaged red maple trees.
“The whole project was a unique challenge. To be able to achieve a certified Living Building and to be able to meet the developer’s proforma, it was the first time I did that, and I think it was the first time it has been done.” - Justin Brooks AIA, ZGF Architects
The building's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its material selection.
The PAE Living Building is designed to be a net-positive energy and water structure. A 133-kW rooftop photovoltaic array and a dedicated 215-kW offsite array generate 105% of the building's energy needs. Due to historic district limitations on rooftop installations, this innovative approach to offsite solar enabled the project team to meet the net-positive energy imperative while benefiting the local community. The PAE Living Building donated 60% of the PV panels to the nearby Renaissance Commons affordable housing development, providing them with onsite energy at no cost. This partnership highlights the project's commitment to social equity and environmental stewardship.
The building's water management system is equally impressive.
A rainwater harvesting system collects and treats 100% of the building's water needs, utilizing a 71,000-gallon cistern for storage. Greywater is treated and reused for non-potable purposes, and an innovative vacuum-flush composting toilet system reduces water usage while transforming waste into a valuable resource. "The nutrient recovery treatment system converts urine and waste into liquid and powder fertilizer all on-site, within the building's mechanical room,"- PAE Consulting Engineers.
"By being pushed to look for a creative solution for power production, the PAE Living Building provides a social benefit that strengthens our local community and the ecosystem benefit of renewable power production," - PAE Consulting Engineers.
This focus on occupant health and well-being is central to the PAE Living Building's design. Ample glazing, operable windows, and a high-performance envelope maximize natural light and ventilation, creating a comfortable and stimulating work environment. The building's biophilic design, incorporating natural elements and patterns throughout, further enhances the connection to nature and promotes well-being.
The PAE Living Building is more than just a building; it's a beacon of sustainability and a model for future development.
The project team's dedication to pushing the boundaries of green building practices resulted in a remarkable structure that prioritizes environmental performance and human experience. "The overarching goal of this project is to show that it can be done, and hopefully, many more like it will be done in the future," shared Caroline Urrutia, Senior Designer
The PAE Living Building is a powerful example of what can be achieved through a collaborative and innovative approach to sustainable design and construction.
PAE Living Building Project Team:
LUMA
Jensen Hughes
First and Pine LLC
Brightworks Sustainability and Integrated Eco Strategy
This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the PAE Living Building project. In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.
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