Portland International Airport (PDX) has officially opened its newly expanded main terminal, a landmark project that promises to double the airport’s capacity and transform the passenger experience. Unveiled to the public on August 14, the terminal expansion is designed by the architectural firm ZGF for the Port of Portland. Spanning an impressive one million square feet (93,000m²), the expansion is set to accommodate 35 million passengers annually by 2045.
One of the standout features of the new terminal is its vast 9-acre (37,000m²) mass timber roof, which creates the sensation of walking through a Pacific Northwest Forest. This design choice not only pays homage to the natural beauty of the region but also aligns with the project’s strong emphasis on sustainability. Passengers travelling through the terminal will be treated to stunning views of the airfield, bathed in natural light, and surrounded by interior landscapes that echo the Pacific Northwest’s diverse ecosystems.
Sharron van der Meulen, Managing Partner at ZGF, praised the collaboration with the Port of Portland, stating: “The new main terminal is a testament to the vision of our incredible client, the Port of Portland. The design evokes the best of our region yet offers other airports a new model for how to expand and renovate in place to meet the travel demands of future generations.”
The terminal expansion is notable not just for its scale but also for its innovative approach to construction. Rather than building an entirely new terminal, the decision was made to renovate and expand the existing facilities. This approach allowed the airport to remain fully operational throughout the five years of phased construction, providing significant schedule, time, and carbon savings. Central to this strategy was the use of a prefabricated wood roof that covers the expanded lobby, check-in, and security areas.
The mass timber roof, which serves as the expansion’s architectural centrepiece, is an engineering marvel. It celebrates Oregon’s rich history of forest product innovation while demonstrating the future potential of mass timber design and sustainable wood sourcing. The 3.5 million board feet (8,250m³) of wood used in the roof’s construction were all sourced from within a 300-mile (480km) radius of the airport. The materials were carefully selected from small family-owned forests, non-profits, and tribal nations, underscoring the project’s commitment to local communities and sustainable practices.
Beyond its striking design, the new terminal sets a new standard for sustainability in airport design worldwide. It achieves a 50% reduction in energy use per square foot, thanks to a highly efficient, all-electric ground-source heat pump system. This significant improvement in energy efficiency is achieved while simultaneously doubling the terminal’s capacity.
The Port of Portland’s decision to focus on sustainable design has implications far beyond the region, offering a model for other airports looking to balance growth with environmental responsibility. The project’s second phase is currently underway and is expected to be completed by early 2026, further enhancing the airport’s facilities and its commitment to sustainable development.
As the largest mass timber project of its kind, the PDX terminal expansion not only redefines the airport’s role as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest but also sets a global precedent for how airports can evolve to meet future demands while prioritising sustainability and a sense of place.
For more details on the project, please visit: PDX Airport Main Terminal Expansion
