BOUNDARY STONE

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Inspired by the boundary stones that demarcate the perfectly square perimeter of our nation's capital, the solid and stable form of this building is intended to serve as a similar marker at the corner of the perfectly square, heavily planned Ladd's Addition neighborhood in southeast Portland, OR. 

The solid building form results from a strong structural grid, with elements carved out or extended within the grid to create dynamic spaces for occupants.  Clad in timber siding and built with glulaminated columns, beams, and CLT panels, the building harkens to historical and contemporary aspects of the timber industry that has been vital to the economy of the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon in particular.  

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Located on an existing bike network, the public ground floor aims to activate the neighborhood, providing a cafe, quick-service food, and a fitness center.  The second and third floors offer a variety of office spaces aimed at attracting companies in Portland's growing tech industry.  Because of the volatile nature of the tech startup industry, from high turnover to rapid growth, easily modified spaces are defined by adjustable "semi-built-in" furniture partitions within the structural frame.  This flexibility allows spaces to be quickly adapted to meet the needs of a wide range of company sizes.