Located along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland’s historic Elliott neighborhood, with its brick buildings and early 20th Century residences, the new Harder Mechanical building needed to stay rooted in the past while being built for the future. Because the owner is a mechanical and plumbing subcontractor and will self perform their own scope, the Harder team became an integral part of the design process. Their desire for an innovative approach—to not only the design but also the design process—led to an adapted integrated project delivery method. This allowed for close collaboration with Harder, the General Contractor, Swinerton, and their trade partners to achieve efficiencies and innovative construction methods that meet both design and construction goals. The desire to showcase Harder's own work and innovation led to exposed ceilings and exposed structure and mechanical systems. It is here where the Cross Laminated Timber structural system becomes a central design element. The CLT simultaneously provides environmental benefits both to the occupants and in broader terms, along with time and cost saving installation. The team leveraging Swinerton's expertise in this area. Externally, the company's rich history combined with the historic neighborhood led to the selection of a both durable and beautiful dark brick facade reminiscent of the surrounding context. This traditional material combined with a contemporary aesthetic allows the building to become part of MLK's future whilst respecting its past.

The Interior Design for Harder Mechanical Contractor's new Headquarters focuses on daylighting, efficient space planning and greater opportunity of chance employee interactions. Upon walking into this space, one is greeted immediately with a reception desk along with a robust metal and concrete staircase that leads to the center of the second level and opens up into a two-story space with skylights. The Interior design emphasizes the modern concept of open floor plans and combines it with the more traditional concept of private offices and conference rooms around the perimeter of the building. This design can only be successful in maintaining good daylighting throughout, with the addition of skylights throughout, the central atrium and interior glazing this natural light can reach into the center of the building for the benefit of all employees. The industrial aesthetic of the interior, balances raw with refined elements, warm with cool color pallets and exposed yet precise details throughout the interior construction. This speaks to Harder Mechanical Contractor's persistence, success and longevity over decades of success within their industry and dare we say a timeless design for years to come.