Timberview VIII, a newly completed mass timber eight-story mixed-use development in Northeast Portland, is making headlines as a model for affordable housing and sustainable construction.
At the bustling intersection of Northeast 99th Avenue and Glisan Street in Portland, Oregon, rises Timberview VIII, an innovative eight-story mixed-use structure pushing the boundaries of affordable housing solutions through its groundbreaking utilization of mass timber. The building is a testament to the collaborative efforts of visionaries like Curtis Rystadt, the lead developer from C & J Property Development LLC, and the expertise of firms like Access Architecture, DCI Engineers, and Truebeck Construction.
A Sustainable Solution for a Pressing Need
Timberview VIII is not just another apartment building. It represents a paradigm shift in addressing Portland's critical need for affordable housing while simultaneously championing sustainable construction practices. With 105 units available at 60% of the Area Median Income, the project offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with rent ranging from approximately $1,100 to $1,700 per month. This affordability is crucial in a city grappling with a housing deficit projected to require over 120,000 new units in the next two decades, with more than half designated as affordable housing.
The choice of mass timber as the primary building material aligns perfectly with the project's sustainability goals. Curtis Rystadt, reflecting on his decision to embrace mass timber, stated, "This cause helps the environment. This cause helps people who need affordable housing. How is that not a great investment in our society?" Mass timber, unlike its traditional counterparts, concrete and steel, sequesters carbon, serving as a natural carbon sink.
David R Burnett, AIA, Senior Associate and Project Manager from Access Architecture, said, “The CLT is 5-ply and is roughly 6 & 7/8" thick. I am so excited about the project of receiving LEED Platinum.”
The wood used in Timberview VIII, totaling 2,645 cubic meters, sequestered an estimated 2,241 metric tons of carbon and avoided 867 metric tons of emissions. These figures translate to a substantial environmental impact, equivalent to removing 657 cars from the road annually or powering 328 homes for a year.
Construction Efficiency and Structural Integrity
Beyond its sustainability merits, mass timber offers compelling advantages in terms of construction efficiency. Rystadt emphasized the speed of assembly, noting that workers erected half of a floor in just an hour and a half, requiring fewer laborers compared to conventional methods. This efficiency was further enhanced by the ease of transporting and handling mass timber components, minimizing disruption at the busy urban site.
Concerns regarding the structural integrity of a predominantly wooden building, particularly in relation to fire and seismic activity, are expertly addressed by Shirley Chalupa, a structural engineer from DCI Engineers. Chalupa highlighted the oversized beams, incorporating "additional wood for charring," ensuring that the core structural element remains intact while the outer layer may burn. Furthermore, the inherent lightness of mass timber, compared to concrete or steel, makes it exceptionally resilient to earthquakes. This reduced weight, as Chalupa pointed out, cuts the building's mass in half, contributing significantly to its seismic performance.
Timberview VIII: A Blueprint for the Future
Timberview VIII stands as a resounding success story, achieving its LEED Gold certification goal and showcasing the immense potential of mass timber in constructing affordable, sustainable, and resilient structures. The project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that embraces innovation and environmentally conscious practices. The incorporation of hydronic floor heating exemplifies this commitment to energy efficiency, translating into reduced energy costs for tenants.
Through its meticulous planning, innovative design, and commitment to community engagement, Timberview VIII has become a symbol of positive change in Portland. As projects like Timberview VIII gain traction, they pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future in the construction industry, inspiring architects, engineers, and developers to explore the vast possibilities of mass timber.
Project Contributors
Owner and Developer: C & J Property Development LLC
Architect: Access Architecture
General Contractor: Truebeck Construction
Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers
MEP Engineer: Caliber Plumbing & Mechanical
Mass Timber Supplier: Kalesnikoff
Mass Timber Installer: Carpentry Plus, Inc.
Sustainability Consultant: Brightworks Sustainability
Landscape Architect: Method
Editors Note from Candra: The downstairs laundry room and bicycle room are really safe zones for people who need a safe place to shelter from an earthquake or to stay safe in general. I was excited to see Mt. Hood from the top floor common kitchen area and balcony!
This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the Timberview VIII Portland, Oregon, project.
In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key benefits of using mass timber in construction?
Mass timber offers numerous benefits, including sustainability (acting as a carbon sink), construction efficiency (faster assembly, easier handling), and enhanced resilience to fire and earthquakes.
2. How does Timberview VIII address Portland's affordable housing crisis?
The project provides 105 units designated as affordable housing, with rents set at 60% of the Area Median Income, catering to individuals and families with lower incomes.
3. What makes Timberview VIII a sustainable building?
The project incorporates several sustainable features, including the use of mass timber, a renewable and carbon-sequestering material, and energy-efficient systems like hydronic floor heating.
4. How does mass timber contribute to the building's fire safety?
The large mass timber beams are designed with "additional wood for charring," ensuring that while the outer layer may burn, the structural integrity of the beam remains intact.
5. What role does mass timber play in the building's seismic performance?
Mass timber's inherent lightness, compared to traditional materials like concrete and steel, makes it more resilient to ground motion during earthquakes.
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