eco roofs

While more expensive than typical roofing, ecoroof costs can be offset by stormwater credits, building energy cost savings, and in some situations the addition of a green roof can allow for increased building height. CHA has created several ecoroofs on public buildings in Portland. Buildings are monitored to track efficiencies in building energy costs, reduced stormwater runoff, reduction of urban heat islands, and extension of roof-life, which is estimated to be two to threefold. Also, ecoroofs provide areas for natural habitat and are generally more pleasing to look at than a traditional roof.

Multnomah Building

Designed as Portland’s first public demonstration ecoroof, this project converts an existing flat roof of Multnomah County’s Multnomah Building into an ecoroof and public plaza.

Central Library

CHA first completed a feasibility study and then design and construction documents for an ecoroof on Portland’s Central Library. Project goals are to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff into the Willamette River, be lightweight enough to not trigger a seismic upgrade, efficient to install, and easy to maintain.

Portland Building

The Portland Building, designed by Michael Graves, is an architectural icon located in downtown Portland. Completed in 1981, the building hailed as a prototype of postmodern architecture and adorned the covers of Newsweek and Time.