marylhurst pump station
Located in Lake Oswego, OR, tucked in a forested backdrop along the Willamette River, the Marylhurst Pump Station is situated along a popular pedestrian path. Though the building is small in size at a mere 145 SF, it services more than 1,200 households in the area.
PROJECT CONTACT
LOCATION
Lake Oswego, OR
OWNER
City of Lake Oswego | Murraysmith
SIZE
145 SF
COMPLETED
2019
PHOTOGRAPHER
Thomas Harris
HISTORY
The original Marylhurst Pump Station was constructed in the early 1980s with an underground pump and electrical station. In 1996, a flood damaged the electrical equipment due to its location being below grade. The only access point to the existing station was through a 3ft diameter shaft, limiting accessibility in emergencies. The newly constructed pump station offers solutions to past issues while providing additional benefits to its community. MWA designed a low-profile, above-ground replacement pump station; easily accessible electronics are inside the building, safe from flooding, and the pumps remain in-ground.
Above-ground replacement pump station.
DESIGN
Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, designers chose a natural color palette that blends with the scenery, with cedar wood tones accenting the basalt stone. All selected siding materials are easily washable, low maintenance, and durable to help extend the pump station’s lifespan in this public space.
A popular site for pedestrians, runners, and bikers, MWA understood the importance of designing an aesthetically pleasing building in a natural setting.
Creating an interactive site for passersby, plaques and historical markers about Lake Oswego and the surrounding area are featured throughout the site. Natural boulders create a seating area for people to rest among the beautiful landscape. Helping to prevent future flooding, pervious pavement and paving stones replaced the existing landscaping.
Natural boulders create a seating area for people to rest among the beautiful landscape.
COMMUNITY INPUT
An extensive community input process took place for the design of the new Marylhurst Pump Station. Situated along a pedestrian path and visible from the street, the contiguous residential neighborhoods reviewed renderings and provided feedback. The most important thing to the community was that it kept a low profile and blended with the surrounding environment.
