Portland Airport Renovation - T-Core Project

Project Strategy

The Port of Portland had a clear mission for the main terminal expansion and approached the project with distinct goals. Keeping the terminal operational; prioritizing sustainability; creating flexibility and adaptability to allow for future innovations; and building an airport that transcends functionality and represents the best of the region.

ZGF's design team was most inspired by what was in our own backyard. Forests cover nearly half the state of Oregon and recreating this experience inside the new main terminal through the use of the mass timber and greenery is a reflection of the surrounding natural environment and provides the feeling of being in the Pacific Northwest and adds to the airport's uniquely Portland experience.

The result is breath taking. The design is being considered as one of the most impressive airports in the world. What helps to make this stand out is that this was not a new building this was/is a remodel of an existing operating facility.

The Architect and owner continued to integrate the new PDX carpet and the world famous PDX Iconic Carpet as key features.

Unique Installation Challenge Strategy

Schedule was super important and this was a large project ( 2.2 billion ). The quality and skill of the workforce was key. To meet schedule and quality levels multiple installation companies were required. The project was going to be demanding under the best of circumstances. It became even more demanding when other trades fell behind schedule and we were asked to do work out of sequence. As we know, difficult but fairly common. The teamwork on this project was terrific - multiple crews, other trades, general contractor, owner, architect all worked together to achieve the goal.

We were asked to consult ( which was great ) as regards required floor prep issues. Consultation quickly became doing the actual floor prep work.
1. Take an already difficult schedule and add 2.75 million dollars of floor prep. Approx. 15 additional workforce for 6 months.
2. With the The history of the World Famous Portland Airport Carpet ( google PDX Carpet ) to try to understand it's legacy.
Installation of pattern broadloom carpet in large areas up to 1 acre in size. Install was forced to be out of sequence. We had to maintain the carpet pattern within a 1/4" tolerance without the adjoining terrazzo and wood in place.
3. Multiple crews-companies working days and coordinating with night crews.
4. Several months with a workforce of 30 to 40 crew members working 6 - 6 -5's.
60 hours a week, 60 hours a week, then 50 hours a week ( 6, 6, 5's ) then start it all over again.
5. End result - deadlines have been met, project is breathtaking, and best of all the entire team are still friends and we continue to work together as this project continues into 2026.