Albina Yard

The architecture of Albina Yard is focused on economy and simplicity, raw material expression, and the careful resolution and integration of building systems to foreground the beauty of the exposed Douglas fir structural frame. The building is structured with a glulam timber frame and CLT panels—all locally manufactured. It was the first building in the U.S. to use CLT panels as the structural diaphragm. Experientially, the dynamic form of the primary street façade is a direct expression of the 4-ft cantilevering capability of a 3-ply CLT panel. These cantilevers frame four levels of a structural glulam wood window wall system. Working collaboratively, the team optimized costs by simplifying details and leveraging CLT’s spanning capacity to utilize fewer glulam beams. Columns and beams were prefabricated offsite to 1/8-in. tolerances, allowing components to be quickly assembled on site with custom concealed connections. The main stair stringers were also constructed with CLT giving the stair a unique appearance.