Design Competition: 'The Gorge'

Caron recently participated in a design competition that allowed our talented team to create a sustainable solution for transforming the urban fabric of the U-district neighborhood with two gateway buildings. The uniquely shaped, slender site for the residential and commercial tower required generous open space for a welcoming public plaza mid-block.

Our Gorge vision was inspired by the beauty and natural forms of the Pacific Northwest. Terraced ledges echo steep mountainside trails, with balconies adding to residents’ experience gazing outward and below. The façade is expressed like canyon walls sculpted by natural forces of water and wind. Like the forest floor, stone, wood, and other solid and textured materials compose the building bases. As you look upward, the forest and sky are expressed with vertical fins and a reflective glass curtainwall system. Although not selected this round, we are proud of our team’s collaboration, and will continue to provide clients with elegant, achievable design.