Sustainability Tree House

The Sustainability Treehouse project aimed to create an educational center that would serve as a model for sustainable design and construction. The challenge was to design a building that would blend seamlessly with the natural environment of the 10,000-acre Bechtel Reserve while providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors. The project needed to address the need for energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the ability to educate visitors about sustainability practices.

The design team, led by Mithun, developed a 3,350sf treehouse that reaches 120 feet into the tree canopy. The building features two levels of exhibits and roof decks, allowing visitors to experience the forest from different perspectives. Extensive daylighting design analysis using a physical model ensured that daylight is the primary source of light, eliminating the need for electric lighting during the day. At night, surfaces are softly illuminated with low wattage LED exhibit lighting integrated with the architecture. The elevated walkways are illuminated with a custom-designed LED handrail system that achieves a low light level and low brightness solution, allowing visitors to experience the night sky while meeting egress lighting needs.

The Sustainability Treehouse has become a landmark for sustainable design and education. It has received several certifications and awards, including the 2014 AIA COTE Top Ten Award, LEED Platinum Certification, and the Living Building Challenge Target. The project successfully demonstrates the integration of sustainable design principles and has become a valuable educational resource for visitors, showcasing the importance of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.