Not Your Average Childhood Treehouse

With sustainability and the green movement becoming more hip everyday, people have really begun to take notice of buildings and homes that are both architecturally innovative and environmentally sound. The Sustainability Treehouse, designed by Mithun and located in Glen Jean, West Virginia, blends right into its forest surroundings in the Summit Bechtel Reserve. With various outdoor platforms and stairways allowing for multiple views of the forest, the facility is interactive, while also capturing the essence and nostalgia of childhood. There are educational exhibits set up to help visitors understand the treehouse, as well as the ecosystem of its environment at each different level. However, what makes this building unique is that it “provides an armature for green building systems, such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and a large cistern and water cleansing system,” explains Mithun’s website.