Woody Guthrie Place

This project is a LEED Platinum certified mixed income apartment building in Portland’s Lents neighborhood where Woody Guthrie lived for a month in 1941, writing songs for the Bonneville Power Administration. Its architecture is inspired by the box car, with layered materials and textures. 

Outdoor spaces include a patio next to the community center, and a nature play area for young children where simple components mimic natural features such as hollowed logs. Rain water from the roof spills into a gathering pool and from there into a natural rock basin. Throughout the shared areas, custom bench seating offers residents places to rest and catch up.