GAB Report event briefing

Tour: Modular Affordable Multi-Family in Portland

  • DateNov 3, 2026 · 3:00 pm GMT-0800
  • FormatIn Person
  • LocationPortland, OR

About the event

This site tour offers an educational look at the Paul Edwards Building, a three-story residential development providing 22 one-bedroom affordable housing units for low-income veterans in Portland. Co-hosted by ULI and WoodWorks, the program explores volumetric modular light-frame wood construction implemented to control costs and expedite project delivery. Attendees will walk through the active project site alongside project team members to examine module connections, architectural detailing, fire resistance strategies, and system continuity across modular interfaces. The interactive format enables direct discussion about design coordination and code compliance in prefabricated multi-family construction.

What you’ll learn

  • Identify design and construction considerations for light-frame wood volumetric modular buildings that contribute to occupant health, safety, and welfare, including structural integrity, fire resistance, and code-compliant assembly
  • Explain how structural and architectural systems are integrated within light-frame wood volumetric modules, and at module interfaces to maintain building performance and protect occupant safety
  • Examine connection and inter-module detailing strategies used to provide structural capacity, fire resistance, and continuity of building systems in accordance with applicable code requirements
  • Understand how coordination among owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and modular manufacturers supports successful design, fabrication, and installation of volumetric modular buildings.

Attendance notes

This is an active jobsite; attendees are required to wear PPE (safety vest, hard hat, safety glasses) and sturdy hard-soled flat shoes. A limited number of loaner PPE will be available to those who need it, which must be indicated during registration.


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