Holst Architecture Project in Portland Contains Curvilinear Facade

One North by Holst Architecture was built to break the standard design of office spaces

Studio Holst Architecture is committed to creating timeless architecture that respects and lives responding to nature and its context. The studio is known for its collaborations with clients and craftspeople to shape places and buildings that provide a whole new human experience.

Several projects include Karuna House, Hotel Modera and recently a unique sculptural, curvilinear building in central Portland named One North, and that’s precisely the one we would like to share with you today. The project was a major challenge due to its sustainability, and consists of two buildings organised around a central courtyard, along with a third, rectilinear building by a different architect.

The curved apertures that are present within the building’s architecture was created to enable a sense of movement and energy. It was influenced by the modernist Spanish Architect Antoni Gaudí and was designed to help reduce energy usage.

“Uniquely accentuated window frames jut out from the buildings to provide exterior shading and reduce the need for cooling,” according to the studio.

One North was an opportunity to break the standard design of office spaces. Sustainability was a major concern for this project , leading to long-term, durable solutions that adapt to the environment and future needs. Some of them, include the use of sustainably harvested wood, efficiency mechanical systems and Photovoltaic arrays to help generate power.

This project by Holst Architecture studio was born to perform 50% more efficiently than a typical new building. Minimal on-site parking encourages eco-friendly activities such as walking, cycling and the use of public transportation. The central landscaped courtyard, which covers 14,000 square feet (1,300 square metres), is open to both tenants and the public.

One North is the future. A balanced combination between innovative and sustainable design that encourages community involvement in facing environmental issues. This project demanded a collaborative approach to define intent and context within the rapidly redeveloping neighborhood.

Teamwork made this project one of our most successful. Working across varying needs of multiple stakeholders, our design goes beyond influencing the tenant’s business and processes to support a grander neighborhood vision. The result is a innovative commercial space that elevates the bar for future area development.