THE CONCEPT

Living better, not bigger, is the design concept of the Tanzamook. Units have three levels of interior living areas connected via an open stair that leads to a large rooftop deck. Each unit is built structurally independent so owners don't have to worry about noise or water damage from neighbors above or below. The front facade has a number of decks and a covered stoop that allows for interaction between the residents and the Irvington neighborhood. Parking has been moved from the front to the rear yard of the units and the shared access court is enhanced by residents' use of their ground floors.

LOCATION

The Tanzamook great location allows access to almost all of Portland's transportation modes. Walking is a real option as the Tanzamook is only three blocks from NE Broadway and its many shops. Downtown is only a 10 minute bike ride over the Broadway Bridge. There is a ZipCar located at 15th and Tillamook. Light Rail and Bus lines are close by with North and Southbound I-5 on-ramp only minutes away.
Additionally, NE Tillamook Street has been designated a 'bike' street by the Portland Bike Alliance and the City of Portland.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

The Tanzamook team is well versed in sustainable design and construction, including designs for the first LEED Gold building of the California State University system. Our team will follow guidelines set by Earth Advantage, the Northwest's premier green building program. Every Earth Advantage home is designed to provide its residents with comfort and quality while maintaining our standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. This project will achieve an Earth Advantage Gold Rating.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment, so that a similar lifestyle can be achieved both in the present and the indefinite future. The Tanzamook believes that the best environmental impact is the smallest one.

Urban Infill is at its heart a sustainable practice. By grouping multiple housing units in a condensed area, more rural areas are preserved for natural habitat and farming. The residents promote local jobs and shops in an efficient manner, at a much smaller vehicle, utility and infrastructure cost than a sprawling development. Infill housing development supports mass transit and alternative modes of transportation, including walking and biking.

PROJECT PARTICIPATION

The development goal of this project is to donate sufficient funds to build one dorm room in Tanzania for each unit we build in Portland. The Ruaha Secondary School in Iringa Tanzania is one the finest schools in one of the world's poorest countries. The architect who developed the master plan for this school in Tanzania is the same architect who designed the Tanzamook and through this connection we are in contact with the non-profit overseeing the school's construction. All funds in this program are dedicated 100% to construction.

RUAHA SCHOOL

Founded in 1986, the Ruaha Secondary School has evolved into a nationally respected educational institution. The facilities are situated on 34 hectares of land near the town of Iringa in the southern highlands of Tanzania. The school borders the Little Ruaha River in Kibwabwa village outside the Iringa town center on the Mbeya Road.

The school is a model educational institution in Tanzania with the mission to motivate and empower students to arise to the contemporary challenge of world citizenship and service to humanity. The school educates children without regard to race, tribe, gender or religion.

Tanzania is the fourth poorest nation in the world economically. The minimum wage is 48,000 TSh (Tanzanian Shillings) or about $45 U.S. per month. Since the 2004 master plan work, a dormitory, well, kitchen, two classrooms and hygiene facilities have been built.

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