Portland Japanese Gardens

Environmentally sensitive expansion respects Japanese Gardens’ rich legacy and updates vision

RWDI played a key role in shaping the Portland Japanese Garden’s $33.5 million Cultural Crossing Village, designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. To preserve the tranquility and integrity of Kuma’s design while meeting the needs of hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, we guided the project team through a sustainability workshop and bioclimatic analysis that informed passive energy strategies. Our expertise led to the integration of 24 geothermal wells, radiant concrete slab heating and cooling, FSC-certified wood sourcing, vegetated roofs, and advanced stormwater management systems. These measures seamlessly enhanced comfort, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, ensuring the expansion honors the garden’s values of peace and harmony with nature.