Award-winning mass timber Portland International Airport completed
The second and final phase of the internationally acclaimed expansion of the Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal has now officially opened. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the one-million-square-foot project stands as the largest public infrastructure development in Oregon’s history. It brings to life a decade-long vision to create a more welcoming, sustainable, and distinctly Pacific Northwest gateway for travelers.
Since its Phase I opening in 2024, the terminal has earned several international accolades, including the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport award, Fast Company’s Best Design in North America recognition, and an award from the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction.
The second phase introduces a redefined arrival experience for passengers at Portland International Airport (PDX). New exit lanes at the north and south ends of the terminal improve flow between concourses, guiding arriving passengers toward a redesigned descent to baggage claim. Expanded post-security gathering areas provide more comfortable spaces for welcoming travelers, while skylit all-user restrooms, new local retail and dining offerings, and curated art installations enhance the overall passenger experience.
“PDX provides a gateway to the Pacific Northwest, offering an unforgettable introduction to what makes this place so special,” said ZGF Managing Partner Sharron van der Meulen. “This project would not have been possible without the Port of Portland’s vision and dedication, along with the collaboration of our talented project partners. We’re incredibly grateful for their collective effort to deliver a terminal that is beloved by the community and travelers alike.” Sharron added further.
The $2 billion terminal renovation and expansion stands as the largest mass timber project of its kind. Rather than constructing an entirely new terminal, the Port of Portland and ZGF chose to renovate and expand the existing facility in place, keeping the airport fully operational throughout five years of phased construction while achieving significant savings in time, cost, and carbon emissions. This approach was made possible in part by a prefabricated timber roof that spans the entire terminal.
“Thousands of local workers brought our shared vision to life, using locally sourced materials and setting a new bar for how it should be done – resulting in an airport that couldn’t have been built anywhere else. I couldn’t be prouder of this special place we built together,” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director of the Port of Portland.
According to ZGF, the project’s sustainable design establishes a new benchmark for airports worldwide. The main terminal expansion doubles passenger capacity while reducing energy use per square foot by 50%, supported by a highly efficient all-electric ground-source heat pump system. In addition, resilient design strategies ensure the terminal is capable of withstanding a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
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