CE Pending

Topic - GBD Architects will discuss the 2030 Award Winning Mill Creek Resiliency Building housing the Oregon State Treasury

The new 33,770 square foot Oregon Treasury Administrative Office Building is designed to meet the highest level of resiliency and has been distinguished as the highest rated USRC Platinum building in Oregon and first USRC base isolated structure in the United States. In addition, the building is designed to mitigate risk and loss of operation and functionality after a 9.0 seismic event with the ability to withstand other disruptive events such as pandemic and climate induced events (flooding and poor air quality from forest fires).  With a life expectancy of 100 years, the facility is designed to be net-positive energy, completely independent from the electrical grid, sourcing energy from its own operational microgrid and energy management systems (battery energy storage system, photovoltaics, and generators).  All the systems and design features implemented in this high performing building are critical for the Department of Treasury to function and serve their constituents, financially supporting state and public agencies, as well as millions of Oregonians who rely on uninterrupted operation after a significant seismic event.

The Oregon Treasury Administrative Office Building has been recognized as a successful example of resilient design and was featured in a New York Times article about building resiliency.  Resulting in positive coverage from the US Resiliency Council, as well as being awarded Oregon AIA’s 2030 award in 2022. The intent of the session is to educate the audience on the business case which justified building a resilient structure, which we believe is replicable for many public and private organizations. We will detail the risk and hazard identification process that was utilized, and how building resilient features were deployed to manage them.

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Speakers

Huan Vo, AIA
Associate Principal, GBD Architects

Huan Vo is a designer and envelope expert with over 22 years of experience in the field of architecture and building design at GBD. He has a deep passion for creating functional and sustainable design. He is known for his innovative and creative approach to architectural design.

Huan's expertise lies in envelope design, which encompasses the design of the building's exterior. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and materials used in envelope design, and he constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Throughout his career, Huan has successfully completed numerous high-profile projects ranging from commercial buildings to residential complexes. His portfolio includes some of Portland’s most well-known buildings - a diverse range of projects including Hassalo on Eighth’s Apartment Buildings, Multnomah Athletic Club, OHSU, Portland Community College, and more relevantly, the innovative Oregon State Treasury.

In addition to his design expertise, he also serves as a mentor to young architects in the firm, nurturing the next generation of design professionals and promoting the advancement of the architecture field.

Huan holds an unwavering commitment to excellence in design and innovation. His passion for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and expertise in envelope design make him a trusted and sought out team member at GBD.

Josh Richards, PE, SE
Principal, Structural Engineering, KPFF

Josh is a Principal Structural Engineer with KPFF and has been with the firm since 2003. He is motivated by the demands for constant learning in structural engineering to stay on the leading edge as codes change, new materials emerge, and technologies evolve. Working for over 25 years with various clients, projects, locations, and materials has helped Josh keep tabs on the pulse of the industry and shape creative solutions. His diverse experience and attention to detail give him a well-rounded approach to deliver designs that provide durability, flexibility, and fit tight project budgets.

Jeremy Toews
Electrical Engineer, Glumac

With a degree in renewable energy engineering and a focus on sustainability, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to electrical design. As an electrical engineer Jeremy has experience designing electrical distribution systems for a broad range of building and occupant types including commercial office, education, data centers, healthcare, and multifamily residential. Jeremy enjoys challenging and progressive projects where thoughtful collaboration allows for design solutions that meet client financial, occupant, and environmental goals.

Mark Fretz, DDS, Assoc AIA
Interim Co-Director of the Institute for Health in the Built Environment

Mark Fretz is Interim Co-Director of the Institute for Health in the Built Environment and a Research Assistant Professor in the College of Design at the University of Oregon. A designer, researcher and former Public Health Service clinician, Mark synthesizes diverse experience to facilitate knowledge exchange between the Institute’s industry consortium, Build Health, research labs, collaborators, and stakeholders. His research interests are focused on exploring and designing synergies that optimize human occupant health while reducing energy use in buildings. An important theme in this exploration is understanding how human migration from outdoor to indoor dwelling has impacted evolutionary mechanisms connected with health and how architectural design can restore these relationships.