University of Oregon, Port of Portland celebrate progress on Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory

In partnership with University of Oregon:

The University of Oregon and the Port of Portland celebrated construction progress on the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory, a new UO research and testing facility designed to support Oregon’s mass timber sector and advance the use of mass timber in housing and commercial construction.

Mass timber has potential for increased applications in housing and commercial construction, but broader adoption of mass timber construction depends on reliable testing and performance data. The new laboratory will provide dedicated acoustic testing capacity on the West Coast for builders, manufacturers, designers and public agencies working to meet code requirements and evaluate how mass timber assemblies perform in real-world buildings.

"Mass timber is an important economic opportunity for Oregon, particularly for rural communities connected to forestry and manufacturing," UO President Karl Scholz said. "The UO is proud to bring its research strengths to this statewide partnership and help build the testing infrastructure needed to move mass timber projects from concept to construction. We are deeply grateful to Oregon’s congressional delegation and the many Oregon Mass Timber Coalition partners who have helped move this work forward."

The beam-signing celebration took place May 27 at the Port of Portland’s new Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus at Terminal 2, where the laboratory is under construction. Built with mass timber, the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory represents the first new vertical construction at the campus, as Terminal 2 is transformed from a former marine terminal into a hub for mass timber research and manufacturing, housing innovation and skills training, with flexible space for small and emerging businesses to grow.

"The UO’s new lab facilities at our innovation campus are a major win for Portland and Oregon’s future," said Kimberly Branam, Port of Portland chief trade and economic development officer. "By connecting research, manufacturing and modern building technologies, we can position Oregon as a global leader in mass timber while creating jobs and economic opportunity across the state."

This project is part of the work of the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, a partnership between Oregon’s leading research universities and state agencies. The coalition’s work received support from a $41.4 million U.S. Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, including $14.6 million to the UO for construction of the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory and $10 million to the Port of Portland for campus infrastructure. The state of Oregon also provided $4.15 million in matching funds through Business Oregon’s University Innovation Research Fund to support construction of the acoustic lab. In addition to a portion of the coalition grant, the port has received $3.2 million in 2026 and $4 million in 2024 in federal Housing and Urban Development funding and $5 million in 2023 from the Oregon Legislature for campus development.

The event brought together university, port, federal, state, local and industry partners to recognize the public investments and partnerships supporting the project and the broader campus.

"Oregonians are known for finding creative ways to address challenges, and the work being done on mass timber at Terminal 2 is a great example of turning ideas into action," Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said. "We need more sustainable, affordable housing and better forest management, and building with mass timber is part of the solution. The Oregon Acoustic Research Lab is setting the national standard for mass timber testing and is poised to be a leader in the industry. In Congress I will continue to advocate for this work to create more affordable housing infrastructure and more good jobs in Oregon."

Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are also advocates for the laboratory.

"As an enthusiastic supporter of mass timber’s potential to create both jobs and affordable housing while reducing wildfire risk in our forests, I am glad to see the UO and the Port of Portland use federal investments I worked to secure for research and testing of this promising construction option," Wyden said. "And as an Oregon alum, I’m especially proud of my alma mater for once again taking the lead in fresh approaches that make our entire state an even better place to live and work."

Merkley said mass timber is an exciting innovation with huge, untapped potential.

"This expanding industry can accelerate the production of affordable housing, provide good-paying union jobs, help us shrink our carbon footprint and restore forest health," Merkley said. "The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory, which I have championed at the federal level, is dedicated to testing and real-world evaluations that will move the mass timber industry forward. The new laboratory puts Oregon at the center of harnessing mass timber's power for our economy and environment."

The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory is being developed under the leadership of UO researchers and partners affiliated with the TallWood Design Institute and the Institute for Health in the Built Environment. Once complete, the facility is expected to become the first National Institute of Standards and Technology-accredited laboratory on the West Coast for acoustic testing of sound and impact transmission in large-scale mass timber floor-ceiling assemblies, providing reliable and repeatable results for code compliance and expanding market applications for mass timber.

"We are grateful for the federal and state support and partnerships with industry that have made this new lab facility possible," said Judith Sheine, director of design for the TallWood Design Institute and UO professor of architecture. "The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory will complete the mass timber research and testing facilities at the UO and Oregon State University, furthering the TallWood Design Institute’s mission to advance the mass timber ecosystem and benefit communities throughout the state."

Following the program, attendees toured the construction site and visited stations highlighting the future Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory, the Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus and the university’s Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, which will join the acoustic lab at the Port of Portland’s innovation campus.

The UO is working with Bonamici, Wyden and Merkley to secure $1.7 million in fiscal year 2027 congressionally directed funding. If approved, the funds would support testing, equipment and materials needed to commission the $25 million facility and secure National Institute of Standards and Technology accreditation. Bonamici’s funding request was included in the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill in early May. Senate action is expected later this summer.

The laboratory is expected to open in 2027.