Birdsmouth ADU
This ADU in NE Portland was Solid Carbon’s first project as a company. It literally and figuratively was the foundation of great things to come.
Pour Date:
May 23, 2023
Project:
Birdsmouth ADU
Amount:
14 cubic yards
Use:
Foundation
High-Performance ADU — Expanding Sustainable Housing with Solid Carbon
In 2023, Solid Carbon partnered with Birdsmouth Design‑Build to deliver a high-performance Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that contributes meaningful density to Portland’s housing supply while advancing climate-aligned construction practices. Known as a leader in energy-efficient design, Birdsmouth creates zero-energy buildings that are healthier, more comfortable, and more resilient than industry standards, intentionally future-proofing homes against rising energy costs and environmental pressures.
This thoughtfully designed residence reflects Birdsmouth’s mission to address climate change through buildings that minimize environmental impact, reduce energy consumption, and maintain timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Beautiful, functional, and intentionally not-so-big, the ADU demonstrates how smaller footprint housing can elevate quality of life while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Birdsmouth’s high-performance approach prioritizes exceptional energy efficiency, indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and durability — factors that lower operational carbon while ensuring the structure will endure for generations. Solid Carbon extended this philosophy below grade by supplying low-carbon concrete enhanced with carbon-sequestering technology, directly reducing the embodied carbon associated with one of construction’s most emissions-intensive materials.
The collaboration illustrates a critical evolution in sustainable building: operational efficiency alone is no longer enough. By pairing a super-efficient building envelope with carbon-storing structural materials, the project addresses both daily energy use and the historic emissions locked into building products from day one.
More than a rental, this ADU is a durable testament to climate-forward construction. It shows what becomes possible when a science-driven builder committed to environmental impact partners with an innovative materials provider — transforming housing infrastructure into part of the climate solution while helping Portland grow responsibly.
