.avif)
This tourist destination, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, recently underwent a transformation, resulting in a state-of-the-art visitor center that seamlessly blends modern design with traditional charm.
Olson Kundig Architects, in collaboration with Precision Construction, spearheaded the design and construction of the 42,800-square-foot facility, which boasts an impressive 25,000-square-foot cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof system. The expansive, two-story structure incorporates a variety of interactive exhibits, a spacious retail shop, a bustling restaurant, and, of course, the iconic ice cream counter.
The design philosophy behind the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center centers around transparency and authenticity, allowing visitors to connect with the journey of Tillamook's dairy products from farm to table. As Olson Kundig principal Alan Maskin explains, "We designed the opportunity for visitors to make a connection between the food on their plates and the story behind it."
The use of mass timber is a defining feature of the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center. The exposed CLT roof system, crafted from meticulously placed timber panels, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere while showcasing the structural beauty of wood. This choice of material not only aligns with the creamery's commitment to sustainability but also pays homage to the region's timber industry.
The project team faced unique challenges in constructing the new visitor center, including the site's location on a bed of sand and an annual rainfall exceeding 100 inches. However, their meticulous planning and execution resulted in a project delivered two months ahead of schedule and under budget.
The success of the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the project team. Carpentry Plus, the installer of the mass timber components, played a crucial role in ensuring the precise and efficient assembly of the CLT roof system.
Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal of Olson Kundig, expressed his pride in the project, stating, "It is a deep honor to be trusted by the farmers of the Tillamook Cooperative to design their new visitor experience. Our hope is that the new building and the experiences visitors have within will become part of the Tillamook story – a story that is about high-quality products but also about the Tillamook farmers and employees themselves."
“What distinguishes the Tillamook Visitor Center project from previous projects is that it engages the senses in a tactile way through smell and taste. The architecture, interior design, and exhibits are merged into a comprehensive visitor experience that is designed to be experienced sequentially. Culminating in tasting the cheese (made on site) and food (incorporating Tillamook’s products). The Tillamook Visitor Center project differs from most projects because it has a rich story to tell. The architecture takes its inspiration from contemporary barn architecture through the use of tough, durable materials, as well as simple structures and volumes that are driven by economy, functionality, and efficiency. The new interpretive, hands-on exhibits and videos integrate and merge with the architecture, while the self-guided tour tells the story of the one hundred-year cheese-making history.” - Adam Mulder , Camron Global
LEVER Architecture, a firm known for its innovative use of timber, also contributed to Tillamook's architectural landscape by designing a 30,000-square-foot operations and development outpost in Portland. This project, completed in 2017, involved the transformation of three historic heavy timber warehouse buildings into a modern, collaborative workspace for Tillamook employees.
Similar to the visitor center, the Portland office embraced a material palette that reflected Tillamook's brand heritage, incorporating concrete, wood, and blackened steel to evoke the company's farming roots. President and CEO Patrick Criteser praised the new office, stating, "I can't even tell you how much we are enjoying the new office. The layout and use of space is brilliant, game-changing for our culture. Our employees are in heaven."
The success of both the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center and the Portland office highlights the versatility and aesthetic appeal of mass timber construction. These projects demonstrate that mass timber can be successfully integrated into a variety of building types, from tourist attractions to modern workspaces.
“It was a deep honor to be trusted by the farmers of the Tillamook Cooperative to design their new visitor experience, and create a rational, straightforward building that is true to the experience and the history of Tillamook’s agricultural tradition.” - Adam Mulder, Camron Global
Client: Tillamook County Creamery Association
Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
General Contractor: Precision Construction Limited
Mass Timber Installer: Carpentry Plus, Inc.
Design Team: Tom Kundig, Alan Maskin, Marlene Chen, Ming-Lee Yuan, Michelle Arab, Laina Navarro, Daniel Renner, Jerome Tryon, Phil Turner, Juan Ferreira, ChiaLin Ma, Francesca Krisli
Key Consultants: CEI (Mechanical Engineer), GHD (Civil Engineer), CIDA (Structural Engineer), Cundiff Engineering (Electrical Engineer), Niteo (Lighting Design), Alliant Systems (design/build), BRC Acoustics (Acoustical Engineer), Karen Braitmayer (Accessibility Consultant), RDH (Building Envelope), Code Unlimited (Code Consultant), The Friday Group (Specifications), Formations (Exhibit Fabricator), Studio SC (Graphic Design), Rand Associates & Ellipse Studio (Content Development/Writing), Owen Davey & Lovett Design (Illustrators)
Photography Credits: Matthew Millman and Aaron Leitz
Client: Tillamook
Architect: LEVER Architecture
Editors Note from Candra: Tillamook Foodservice is featured at the Port of Portland Airport in the new Mass Timber Terminal that anyone can walk into.
This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the Tillamook Creamery Office and Visitor Center projects. In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.
Lead mass timber projects with confidence — and leave delays, redesigns, and budget blowups behind.
✅ Solve early-stage design, sourcing, insurance, permitting, code & cost hurdles before they derail your project.
✅ Find technical answers on design, detailing, procurement, embodied carbon ROI, hybrid systems & more.
✅ Build relationships with developers, GCs, architects, and engineers shaping mass timber’s future.
Get your ticket— and get the insights, skills, and network to deliver mass timber projects successfully.
.jpg)
