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The David Rubenstein Treehouse has opened at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. The 55,000 sq. ft site is the first mass timber building in Harvad’s campus, setting a model for holistically sustainable buildings in Boston and institutions worldwide.
Using healthier, low-carbon materials, such as responsibly sourced wood and concrete made from ground glass pozzolan, the building’s structure significantly lowers its embodied carbon, which is 55% less than that of a similar building using conventional materials. Additionally, the design supports zero fossil fuel combustion on-site, whilst significantly reducing its energy use through natural daylighting and self-shading, rooftop solar panels, and a raised floor that conditions the interior while concealing major buildings systems. Harvard’s District Energy Facility is connected to the building and provides heating, cooling, and electricity. Healthier interior materials, furniture and finishes without harmful chemical classes have improved the buildings air quality alongside occupants’ health.
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