DESCRIPTION
The Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt (EGWW) Federal Building is an existing 18-story, 512,474 sf office tower located in downtown Portland. Completed in 1974, the building’s MEP systems were worn out and out-dated. In addition to upgrading building systems, updating the work environment and improving accessibility, the design also needed to meet the stringent energy and water conservation requirements of recent executive orders. With a unique facade of “reeds” that support plant growth and provide a native ecosystem, shades tuned for each facade to reduce solar gain, and a roof canopy that supports a 180 kW photovoltaic array while collecting rainwater - the project pushed design boundaries. The strong connection between the landscape and the building, provides a unique setting for the re-birth of this urban building, with a tapestry of climbing vines, unique to each solar exposure, communicating GSA’s green commitment to the City.