Columbia Building / Skylab

Architects: Skylab
Area: 11,640 ft² (1,081 m²)
Year: 2014
Photography: Jeremy Bittermann
Architect In Charge: Jeff Kovel, Brent Grubb, Susan Barnes
Constructor: Skanska
Civil Engineer: Vigil Agrimis, Inc.
Structural Engineer: catena Consulting Engineers
Landscaping: 2.ink Studio
Lighting: Biella Lighting Design
Branding: The Felt Hat
Consultants: Green Building Services
Partner Architect: Solarc Architecture and Engineering Inc.
Sculpture Artist: John Grade
Client: Bureau of Environmental Services
City: Portland, Oregon
Country: United States

The Columbia Building, designed by Skylab in Portland, Oregon, serves as a multifunctional facility for the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services. The 11,640-square-foot structure integrates office spaces, public areas, and an educational component that demonstrates sustainable water management. Its folded cast-in-place concrete roof directs stormwater through a planted filtration system before it enters the Columbia River. A transparent north facade, a serrated curtain wall with operable vents, and mirrored glass elements contribute to natural ventilation and light diffusion while visually blending the building with its surroundings. Designed to promote environmental awareness and efficiency, the project has achieved LEED Gold certification.

The Columbia Building was designed to support the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, providing workspace, a visitor reception area, and public meeting rooms. Beyond its primary function, the facility incorporates educational elements that highlight sustainable water management through its design and integration with the surrounding landscape.

The Columbia Building draws inspiration from the native landscape and the region’s industrial heritage. The design merges landforms, indigenous planting, formal geometry, and robust construction systems to serve both staff and public engagement.
Interview Shaun Selberg of Skylab Architecture

A key feature of the building is its folded cast-in-place concrete roof, composed of seven angular sections. This system channels stormwater through a planted filtration system, guiding it along landscaped berms before entering a visible collection network that ultimately leads to the Columbia River. The project was developed to achieve three primary goals: creating an efficient and engaging workspace, implementing on-site stormwater filtration, and fostering public awareness about watershed health in the region.

The north facade features extensive glazing, visually linking interior spaces with the natural surroundings. A central Commons area, partially enclosed, functions as both a focal point and a transition between the built environment and the landscape. The serrated curtain wall integrates operable air circulation vents, enabling natural ventilation to improve indoor air quality. Mirrored glass elements reflect and diffuse light, further blending the structure into its environment.

Certified LEED Gold, the Columbia Building stands as a model of sustainable architecture, balancing functionality, environmental responsibility, and public engagement through thoughtful design.