Thesis Headquarters Cascadia Windows & Doors

Thesis Headquarters is a 40,000-square-foot mass timber office in Portland, Oregon, 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.

Fixed

Awning

Fiberglass windows that work harder

High-Performance Fenestration

Cascadia Windows & Doors supplied Universal Series™ fixed and awning windows, some with 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—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.

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

Reducing carbon through smart material choices

Mass Timber Meets Modern Windows

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 create a durable, high-quality envelope that complements the building’s architectural vision and long-term performance targets.

Light, ventilation, and renewable energy

Sustainability in Action

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. To further reduce operational emissions, a 54.6 kW rooftop solar array generates renewable energy on site. Thesis Headquarters is on track for LEED Gold certification, reflecting its balanced approach to efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

A blueprint for future commercial buildings

The Outcome

Thesis Headquarters demonstrates that high-performance goals and design excellence can work hand in hand. By integrating sustainable materials, advanced fenestration technology, and renewable energy strategies, the project serves as a model for future commercial developments aiming to combine environmental responsibility with a superior occupant experience.

An office built for people and the planet

PURPOSE-DRIVEN DESIGN