University of Portland - Shiley Marcos Center

The University of Portland is a place known for it's focus on student discovery, hands-on curricullum, and using scientific thinking to solve problems so it's no surprise the school has been an early adopter and pioneer for mass timber and has incorporated Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Glue Laminated Timber (GLT), and other wood products in recent buildings and structures.  

Shiley Marcos Center for Design and Innovation is the latest Inter-disciplinary collaboration and innovation spaces for the University’s STEM community .  According to Opsis Architects, this project creates a campus-wide resource for hands-on design thinking and making – including spaces for ideation, rapid prototyping, arts, capstone projects, industry partners and shops. Donald P. Shiley was a University of Portland graduate who attributed his success to hands-on experimentation and collaboration, he is known for creating the first artificial tilting disc heart valve.

The design of the Type II-B structure was completed by KPFF Engineers and utilizes a steel frame with a mass timber CLT roof, also referred to as a hybrid mass timber structure.  It is designed to meet LEED Silver sustainability standards.  Most people do not realize that mass timber can be used in every building type (Roof Only for Type I & Type II).

Skanska was the general contractor and started the buildings demolition and abatement in August of 2022 and foundations followed with the steel structure in February and March and mass timber supply and installation by Western Wood Structures in April of 2023.  Building is set to open January of 2024.  Students are excited to ring in the new year with this new addition to campus.