# Mass-Timber Airport Rooftops ZGF Architects Completes the Portland International Airport Expansion By Amy Duong | Published 2024-08-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portland-international-airport References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/08/15/zgf-mass-timber-roof-portland-airport-terminal/) & [zgf](https://www.zgf.com/)  American design studio [ZGF Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zgf-architects) has completed a new expansion design project at the Portland International Airport. It is at the main terminal and defined by the large mass-timber rooftop that was prefabricated to keep the airport in function. The large roof is made from metal and glue-laminated timber, which is also known as glulam. It created a slew of beams and lattices which span over nine acres. The studio speaks about the new space, "Undulating in a basket weave of arches and scalloped shapes, a 400,000-square-feet glulam beam and lattice 'overstory' is supported by a grid of 34 Y-shaped columns that branch upwards 36 feet above the terminal floor. The lattice is comprised of nearly 35,000 three-by-six-inch pieces of Douglas fir." Image Credit: Ema Peter ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 27% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Mass-timber Construction:** Utilizing mass-timber in major construction projects can lead to significant advancements in sustainable architecture. - **Prefabricated Architectural Elements:** The use of prefabricated elements allows for large-scale structures to be built more efficiently while minimizing disruptions. - **Innovative Roofing Designs:** Creative and sustainable roofing solutions, such as glulam-based designs, are reshaping modern infrastructural aesthetics and functionality. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sustainable Architecture:** Advancement in sustainable materials like mass-timber offers new avenues for eco-friendly building practices. - **Prefabrication and Modular Construction:** Enhanced use of prefabrication technology is revolutionizing the construction industry by reducing build times and costs. - **Airport Infrastructure Development:** Innovative design approaches in airport terminal expansions are creating more functional and aesthetically pleasing travel hubs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Expansive Airport Roof Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portland-airport.md) - [Mass-Timber Transport Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marengo-multimodal-transport-hub.md) - [Modular Airport Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woods-bagot-1.md) - [Mass-Timber Expansive Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katajanokan-laituri.md) - [Sand Dune-Inspired Airport Roofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-pedersen-fox.md) - [Vineyard-Detailed Airport Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florence-airport-1.md) - [Red Roof Airport Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aecom.md) - [Cross-Laminated Timber Renovated Warehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/843-n-spring-street.md) - [Timber Research Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-timberlands.md)