Carbon12

Carbon12 is an eight-story residential building in Portland built primarily from cross-laminated timber with extensive glass elements, reaching approximately 85 feet in height. The facade combines exposed wood laminations with large window sections, showcasing a modern construction approach that uses wood as a primary structural material.

The 2018 completion of Carbon12 marked a turning point in US construction as building codes were modified to permit wooden structures exceeding five stories. This regulatory change enabled traditional building materials to be used in modern multi-story construction.

The building embodies Portland's commitment to sustainable architecture through the use of locally sourced materials and eco-friendly design principles. Visitors can see the exposed wood elements that give the structure its distinctive character.

Access is via an underground parking system, and the building features energy-efficient systems including LED lighting and insulated fiberglass windows. Visitors should note the modern infrastructure that distinguishes the building from older structures.

The building uses a buckling-restrained brace frame core that provides enhanced earthquake resistance while maintaining the wooden structure. This engineering solution allows wooden buildings to safely withstand seismic activity in earthquake-prone areas.