AIA Portland Center for Architecture is a Former Carriage House Transformed into a LEED-Platinum Office Space

<a href="http://www.aiaportland.org/center-for-architecture-venue/" target="_blank">AIA's Portland Center for Architecture</a> is in the center of the action and is surrounded by the greatest concentration of architecture offices in the city. The building was at one time a carriage house, but has been adapted into a new office, exhibition and meeting spot in the Pearl District. The renovation was designed by <a href="http://www.holstarc.com/" target="_blank">Holst Architecture</a>, who incorporated a number of sustainable strategies to reduce energy use and achieve LEED Platinum certification.

The <a href="http://www.aiaportland.org/center-for-architecture-venue/" target="_blank">AIA Center in Portland</a> was formerly a livery stable, and is thought to be the oldest surviving structure in Portland’s now-thriving Pearl District, a former industrial zone.

AIA chose the building because of its location in the Portland’s now-thriving Pearl District with convenient access to the streetcar line, and proximity to architecture offices.

<a href="http://www.holstarc.com/" target="_blank">Holst Architecture's</a> renovation of the brick and timber building placed a strong focus on flexibility in space as well as energy efficiency.

The 5,000 sq ft center is used as office and administration space for AIA Portland as well as a gallery and expanded community gathering spaces that can be rented by the public.

The building was also used to advertise for a chocolatier and the new chocolate covered exterior was likely inspired by this.

To achieve energy efficiency and low utility costs, the building features a sophisticated heating, cooling and ventilation system. Natural ventilation with the help of operable windows and roof vents takes advantage of the moderate climate.

Sensors are installed on the windows that turn off the building’s mechanical HVAC system when the windows are left open.

Underfloor air ducts deliver cool air more efficiently. Skylights bring in natural daylighting into the interior space.

The south facade is covered in a open steel "garden wall" covered in creeping vines that soaks up the sun and shades the building from excess heat. The roof has a reflective, cool membrane and also harvests rainwater for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing.

The AIA Center before the renovation.