BNIM, as part of a team of nationally known designers and specialty consulting firms, worked with the Boy Scouts of America to design and construct the Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.

The Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve is a living, interactive education center for the Scouts and visitors. Its vertical structure, constructed with locally sourced timber, mimics the layers of the surrounding forest. Interactive exhibits throughout the Treehouse feature the 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 Reserve will be the National Jamboree Campsite and home of the 2019 World Scout Jamboree. The project includes an estimated 400,000 square feet spread across 31 buildings on a 13,000-acre site. The construction of the Reserve will be phased over the next five years, with the first phase of construction completed in spring 2013. BNIM served as Executive Architect/Architect of Record in collaboration with Mithun. BNIM was also involved in the envisioning of the program and served as Design and Production Architect for the Visitor's Center.