Building a sustainable tree house is among the most interesting, exhilarating and enlightening projects imaginable. Moreover, it is emblematic of everything we hope to achieve in sustainable architecture. How do we build in a natural setting without despoiling the very nature that supports us? This timeless design problem underlies our entire program. During this one week course students will learn how to design and build a sustainable tree house. In the studio portion we will talk about tree house design issues such as site, tree physiology and species, sustainable design, tree house structures and, let us not forget, beauty! In the field component of the course, students will learn how to safely construct a tree house design in real trees. While building we will learn construction techniques, materials, tree house detailing and how to build safely. All Levels.

35 Learning Units

Available for college credit through the University of Vermont—CDAE 95 (2 credits). (Tuition - $1050.)

Certificate in Sustainable Building and Design