Boy Scouts of America
Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel
An interactive education center in the treetops reflects a living commitment to sustainability
![Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10052_02_sustainability-treehouse-at-the-summit-bechtel-family-national-scout-reserve_id18906.jpg)
Information
- Location Glen Jean, West Virginia
- Size 400,000 SF
- Certification LEED Platinum, Living Building
BNIM’s longstanding relationship with the Boy Scouts of America has resulted in facilities that embody their ideals, values, and tenets of resource efficiency including Camp Naish, the Scott Visitor Center, and the Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve. BNIM, as part of a team of nationally known designers and specialty consulting firms, worked with the Boy Scouts to design and construct the Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. BNIM served as Executive Architect/Architect of Record in collaboration with Mithun on the Summit’s Sustainability Treehouse. The Sustainability Treehouse is a 5,805 SF living, interactive education center for the Scouts and visitors that features locally sourced timber, exhibits, and numerous sustainable technologies.
Impact + Innovation
The Sustainability Treehouse’s vertical structure, constructed with locally sourced timber, mimics the layers of the surrounding forest. Interactive exhibits throughout the Treehouse feature sustainable technologies, including PV panels, wind turbines, and a large water treatment system. Targeting Living Building Challenge and designed to exceed LEED Platinum, the Treehouse reflects the Scout’s commitment to sustainability. The project achieved its goals of net zero energy and net zero carbon footprint and explored various innovative and restorative land use technologies. As a result of its highly sustainable design, the Treehouse is the recipient of an AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Green Project award.
![Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10052_02_sustainability-treehouse-at-the-summit-bechtel-family-national-scout-reserve_id18930.jpg)
People
Team
- Hans Nettelblad
- Alyssa Parsons
- Casey Cassias
- Sarah Hirsch
- Sarah Murphy
- Laura Lesniewski
- Kayla Berkson
- Greg Sheldon
- Doug Stevens
- Jeremy Knoll
- Beena Ramaswami
- Brad Clark
- Jennifer DeWitt
- Joe Keal
- Erik Heitman
- Sebren Ryan Camp
- Kyle Rogler
- Kristin Long
- Kara Bouillette
![Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10052_02_sustainability-treehouse-at-the-summit-bechtel-family-national-scout-reserve_id18921.jpg)
Awards
AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE)
Top Ten Green Project
2014
![Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10052_02_sustainability-treehouse-at-the-summit-bechtel-family-national-scout-reserve_id18937.jpg)
![Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10052_02_sustainability-treehouse-at-the-summit-bechtel-family-national-scout-reserve_id18923.jpg)