THESIS HEADQUARTERS

Low-carbon logistics at industrial scale

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Thesis Headquarters is a 40,000-square-foot mass timber office in Portland, OR, designed to bring together workspaces, meeting areas, and community zones under one roof. Led by Lever Architecture and Swinerton, the project team set out to create a building that embodied sustainability without sacrificing aesthetics or performance. The result is a warm, modern workplace that connects occupants to nature while setting new standards for energy efficiency and durability.

Project partners

Location

Portland, OR

Product

Universal Series

Completion

2024
Fixed Window Icon

Fixed

Awning Window Icon

Awning

Fiberglass windows that work harder

High-Performance Fenestration

Cascadia Windows & Doors supplied Universal Series™ fixed and awning windows, including motorized operators, to meet the project’s performance targets. Each unit features double-glazed Cardinal Low-E 366 tempered IGUs, delivering a typical thermal performance of U-0.24 and meeting a 15 PSF water resistance rating. The large-format glazing, measuring up to 118" x 143", floods the interior with daylight while maintaining envelope integrity. Frames were custom painted with low-VOC, using Hydro Tuff water-borne urethane coatings that exceed AAMA 625 and AAMA 2605 performance criteria and pass CDPH testing, offering a modeled lifespan of up to 80 years.

Project Scope:

  • Windows installed across all four storeys of the building

  • Range of sizes from 57" × 131" to 118" × 143"

  • Frames contain 58% recycled fiberglass content

  • Red List Free and Energy-Star rated

  • Targeting LEED Gold certification

Lower-Carbon Materials, High-Performance Envelope

Mass Timber and Fiberglass Working Together

Thesis Headquarters combines a regionally sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam structure with high-performance Universal Series™ fiberglass windows. The mass timber structure helps reduce the building’s embodied carbon, while the fiberglass frames, containing 58% recycled content and backed by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), support the project’s sustainability goals.

Together, these materials support the project’s sustainability goals while creating a durable, high-quality envelope that complements the building’s architectural vision and long-term performance targets.

Daylight, Ventilation, and On-Site Energy

Designed for Comfort and Daily Performance

Large operable windows on every floor maximize daylight, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and provide natural ventilation. The design connects occupants to sweeping views of Forest Park, promoting wellness and productivity. The fiberglass frames are Red List Free, Energy Star rated, and available in any custom color.

A 54.6 kW rooftop solar array further supports the building’s performance by generating renewable energy on site. Thesis Headquarters is on track for LEED Gold certification, reflecting its balanced approach to efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

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Cascadia Windows & Doors supports large-scale commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects with high-performance fiberglass window systems designed for energy efficiency, durability, and design flexibility.

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