Portland Japanese Garden Cultural Crossing

A collection of new buildings at the Portland Japanese Garden, widely recognized as the most authentic outside of Japan, will diversify activities around the grounds while preserving the garden’s sense of tranquility. Blending traditional Japanese design with modern Pacific Northwest character, the $33.5 million expansion adds teaching spaces, offices, visitor services, a library, workshops, and a tea café.

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it is his first project located in the United States. Finely-detailed slender steel roof framing tapers to sharp points at cantilevered eaves, emphasizing the light, open nature of the structure. A unique sloped green roof system integrated into the roof structure extends to the very edges of the upper roof eaves, blurring the line between the building and landscape.

Significant elements are built from locally-sourced materials with Japanese craftsmanship – such as 800 tons of Baker Blue granite from Baker City, Oregon that comprise a 185-foot-long ‘Castle Wall’ hand built by 15th -generation Japanese master stone mason Suminori Awata. Port Orford cedar is featured prominently in structural and decorative applications.

Set in Portland’s west hills in an historic landslide area, extensive permanent shoring was required. Several structures feature deep foundations with tension tieback anchors affixed to bedrock. The existing garden is enhanced by new water features that address rainwater needs, as well as seven new landscaped areas including a moss hillside garden, a bonsai terrace, and the Bill de Weese chabana garden, the first of its kind in North America.

Additional Services Provided:

• Stormwater Management
• Site Development
• Utility Infrastructure