BrookLand Apartments

Connecting to nature in a dynamic urban neighborhood.

BrookLand Apartments

Portland, Oregon
127,500 SF [166 Residential Units]

Client Notes
Create housing that takes ordinary moments, such as checking the mail or walking the corridor from the elevator to an apartment, and make those moments spectacular, even if just for a second.

Designer Notes
The site, in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, and prior to development and the construction of McLaughlin Boulevard, boasted natural features and connections to the Willamette River. The design concept restores connections to nature and promotes health and wellness of its residents by providing abundant fresh air, views, and plant life within the building and finds ways to connect it to its natural surroundings.

The building organization centers around two outdoor courtyards lined with exterior walkways, allowing most units to have light and fresh air penetrate two sides. The courtyards act as “front yards,” featuring seating areas, planters, and vine trellised-lined walkways. These courtyards extend arms outward toward the building perimeter, creating terraces with opportunities for views and providing unique moments in the building façade.

The shared amenity spaces include a ground-floor lounge and coworking space, fitness area, sauna, and rooftop commons. The interiors of these spaces display a soothing color palette, patterns, and textures that evoke natural elements. The living units are simple and bright, a calming contrast to the warm wood and vegetation of the adjacent courtyards.

People
Kirsten Heming / Amelie Reynaud / Amy Maras / Caleb Couch / Caitlin Ranson / Pat Thorne

Matt Sugarbaker, Project Manager
Corey Martin, Design Principal