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Multnomah County
Portland, OR

Owner:
Multnomah County

Architect:
Thomas Hacker Architects

Contractor:
McCarthy Construction

Image Credits:
Thomas Hacker Architects Inc.

Designed the structural system for this new one-story, 7,500-sf steel framed community library utilizing architecturally exposed structural steel. Cantilever cruciform shaped columns provide lateral resistance for the high reading room pavilion style roof, while achieving the open environment that Thomas Hacker desired in the reading room. Steel braced frames provide lateral resistance for the lower roof over the staff/support areas. The building design incorporates many sustainable building features including extensive daylighting, high efficiency packaged roof-top HVAC units with direct digital controls, and landscaping using native plant material. Cited as a Portland General Electric Earth Advantage building, the library uses 27% less energy every year than one built under the Oregon Energy Code. This project won a 2001 American Institute of Steel Construction Merit Award, an American Institute of Architects Portland Chapter Honor Award, and the prestigious AIA/American Libraries Association Award of Excellence in 2001. While with another firm, Chris Thompson served as Principal-in-Charge and John McDonald served as Project Engineer.