Beauty and the Budget

LEVER Architecture, based in Portland, Oregon, has developed a distinctive approach to commercial design through the thoughtful use of engineered wood and mass timber. The firm's work is grounded in a deep consideration of materials — not only their structural and aesthetic properties, but also their origins and broader environmental impact. 

This publication is designed for: architects, builders, designers 

This case study examines the Flex building, a 19,000-square-foot commercial structure in Portland that demonstrates how engineered wood can serve both functional and design goals. The project highlights how early collaboration between architects and contractors, combined with the prefabrication advantages of mass timber, can lead to meaningful efficiencies in construction timelines and overall project costs. It also explores the environmental case for engineered wood, including its role in sequestering carbon and supporting sustainable forestry practices. 

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.