The new building is a blast-resistant, purpose-built control room for operators to manage the plant. Located along the Oregon coast, the team had many internal and external considerations before designing the space. Marine-grade exterior finishes were selected for their low-maintenance performance in coastal regions.

Situated on a portion of the property where liquefaction is a concern, the new single-story building includes fully grouted CMU exterior walls and a 12” concrete lid. Ground improvements mitigate potential liquefaction induced displacement and floor to ceiling hurricane windows both provide daylighting and enhance blast resistance.

The design team worked closely with a third-party blast consultant to create the safest building possible for employees. The bunker-like structure protects occupants during control testing and blasts, and blast-resistant glass met the stringent criteria required of the project.

Though it is a building designed for function first, people still occupy the space. The design team prioritized employee wellness by creating a clean, supportive space for staff. Floors are composed of polished concrete and blast-resistant windows line the eastern exposure, bringing in natural light.