L I VI NG AMONGS T T HE T RE E S

E MI L Y F I E L D, CAME RON DOUGL AS , E L L E N L ANA, F E L I CI A CE NCA

TREETOPIA!
OUR VISION
Treetopia is a model for possible alternative housing opportunities for students
and faculty at Elon University. Our vision is to provide an outlet for the
construction of creative structures amongst the trees on the Elon University
main campus. We envision student built tree houses, both suspended and
grounded, in which students live and interact closely with nature and their
neighborhood community. Treehouses would be designed using
permaculture principles taught to students through a learning by doing
process, focusing on utilizing sustainable & renewable building materials. In this
way we hope students would not only gain knowledge about architecture
and sustainable building but also earn credit for their work or even reduce
their housing costs. Students could build their models before arriving on
campus in the summer using recycled materials from on campus resources or
recycled building materials from local sources.
Photo credit: http://theflyingtortoise.blogspot.com/2012/12/tiny-tempting-treehouses.html
Photo credit: http://www.amusingplanet.com/2010/07/peter-nelsons-treehouses.html
COMMUNITY (TRIBALISM):
With the creation of Treetopia on Elons campus there is a need for smaller communities
to develop, especially when centered around environmental goals for Elon. A
community, or tribe, is of fundamental importance to human sanity. A tribe[is]
best for a sense of belonging, for the freedom for fission by individuals or families in
smaller bands, and for the maintenance of genetic diversity. A strong sense of tribe
for Treetopians would fulfill the needs of the community. It is essential for the
community to work together in decision making, maintenance of the communities
natural features, helping each other, and contributing to the vitality of the community
in general. For centuries, an individuals community served as a crucial aspect of
their life by offering camaraderie, support, and security. Currently, our society has
developed to living a far more detached way of life. Shifting to a tribal lifestyle based
on environmental consciousness will enable the community to thrive; individuals
working to help other members, managing the various aspects of a sustainably
developed community, and contributing as a valued student working to further
Treetopian goals. A strong sense of community would benefit each individual, the
community, and Elon as a whole.
Source: Paul Shepards Coming Home to Pleistocene


SMALL COMMUNITY LIVING
Paul Shepards Coming Home to Pleistocene inspired this vision to look
much more like a tribalistic community within Elon. Ideally each
community would range in size from 20-35 people, making social
interaction more meaningful and personal due to familiarity with
community members. These members would share a community
center in which they could hold events, eat meals together, and
work on school assignments. Because the actual dwellings will be
without running water and electricity the community center will draw
all members in to interact.



Source: Paul Shepards Coming Home to Pleistocene
BETTER LAND USE
Treetopia is most effective for Elon Universitys use of the land
and the third dimension. By building around and up into the
trees we hope to reclaim some of the ground for sustainable
agriculture in order to increase the food security and self
sufficiency of the Elon campus. By putting student housing up
in the trees we are in essence protecting the trees from
removal while also making more room on the ground for food
production. We hope to create a permaculture system below
and around the treehouses in order to model it for the rest of
campus to hopefully incorporate it into a larger, campus wide
system in the future.
ELON UNIVERSITYS SUSTAINABILITY
MASTER PLAN:
In 2004, Elon University President Leo M. Lambert appointed the Environmental
Advisory Council (EAC) who are responsible for raising awareness of
environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices on the University
campus. In 2006-2007, the EAC created the Sustainability Master Plan for
Elon University highlighting the schools goals to minimize [Elons] impact on
the global environment by establishing a carbon neutral university.
Specifically, the Sustainability Master Plan recommends that the university
develop a comprehensive plant to become carbon neutral by 2037, assess
and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, provide the campus
constituencies with information and issues regarding sustainability, and to
address sustainability through various initiatives. In 2010, the Climate Action
Plan was developed based on the universitys first greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions inventory in 2008 and subsequent inventory in 2009 in an effort to
outline emission reduction strategies, emission reduction targets, options and
strategies for sustainability, as well as how progress will be tracked.
http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/bft/sustainability/Environmental%20Sustainability%20Master%20Plan.pdf

ELON UNIVERSITY GOALS:
While committing to sustainability
in various ways, Elon has yet to
seriously address their
environmental consciousness in
an extremely visionary way.
Goals:
With these goals stated in the
Climate Action Plan, projected
2037 emissions will be reduced
by approximately 65,238
MTCDE, or 70%.
WE NEED TO DO MORE!
Lets move to the trees!


http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-
web/bft/sustainability/Elon%20University%20Climate%20Action%20Plan.pdf
INTEGRATION INTO ELON
Initially the Treetopia neighborhoods would be integrated into the Residence Life
housing options and be available to all students in the housing selection process. in
order to allow more students the opportunity to live in Treetopia. If living in one of
the neighborhoods does not appeal to students there are other ways for them to
get involved including participating in gardening or assisting with the maintenance
of the structures. This model is ideal for Elon because of our drive towards a
sustainable campus and the great number of trees on our campus. We hope to
use this idea to infill open land in and around main campus in order to use the land
to its fullest potential without need for further expansion of the University into the
surrounding neighborhoods and forests. By giving students the option to build
treehouses we extend our campus buildings into the third dimension, a term
coined by Register in Ecocities, to mean building up and using the already
inhabited land to its fullest potential without extending impervious surfaces. Using
this idea we can free up some of the land on campus to include farm and grazing
land to make a more self-sufficient and renewable campus.
EXTENDING BEYOND LIVING
Originally we thought Treetopia would become a fantastic selling point for
Elon and draw attention and attendance for the school, drawing in
students with a particular mindset suited for Treetopia. However,
stretching beyond this idea leads us to think that this sort of living and
curriculum would lead to Elon developing its own school dedicated to
sustainability and environmental topics. This school would include
programs such as sustainable agriculture, green design (including tree
design), environmental engineering, and permaculture. Extending our
vision to a new school will hopefully help all students integrate these
practices into their everyday lives and invoke a more directed focus on
sustainable living on campus and post graduation.
ARCHITECTURE EXAMPLES AT
OTHER UNIVERSITIES
At the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin University students are
being encouraged to build their own houses as part of their learning by
doing educational approach. The program demonstrates how climate,
building materials, site orientation, and client needs and preferences inform
design choices based on the tenets of Wrights organic architecture. In Frank
Loyd Wrights words All students are encouraged to participate in the Shelter
Construction Program to improve their architectural skills, gain a deeper
appreciation of the design/build process in relationship to nature, and to
participate in a team effort that is remarkably fulfilling.
Although the climate of North Carolina and Arizona differ, we can still see the
same ideas and principles being put into practice just slightly altered to fit the
desert climate.
*See next slide for examples from the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
http://taliesin.edu/campuses.html

Although these examples from Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture are not in the trees, the idea
of using natural, reclaimed materials would be integrated into Treetopia.


Photo Credit: http://taliesin.edu/shelters/shelters1.html




Another example from
Frank Lloyd Wright
School of Architecture
showing a more
suspended structure
but in a desert climate.








Photo Credit: http://taliesin.edu/shelters/shelters1.html
This photo shows how it is
possible to shape and
transform living trees into
dwellings. The process takes
many years but the flexibility
of the materials provides the
tree artist with almost limitless
design possibilities. Although
this is not part of our vision,
the idea is a potential offshoot
of Treetopia that students
could further research and
develop.
Photo Credit: http://inhabitat.com/patrick-doughertys-mind-blowing-nest-houses-made-of-living-trees/
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The following slides include important principles and design
features that could be used in the design and construction of
houses in Treetopia as well as integrate into the curriculum of the
Elon School of Sustainability.
Sketch by Cameron Douglas




THREE METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER:
In order to construct a building by utilizing solar energy, it is essential to
understand what heat is, and how it can be transferred. Heat is a
form of energy, and can travel in three different ways: radiation,
convection, and conduction. Understanding these modes of
transfer allows an individual to manage the heating an area, cooling
an area, or keep the temperature stable.

These principles will guide the construction of the dwellings and
community buildings to provide a comfortable indoor climate.


http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/thermalP/Lesson-1/Methods-of-Heat-Transfer
UTILIZING THE SUN:
As the Earth rotates around the sun, it is tilted at an angle on its vertical axis. This has a significant
impact on the solar radiation that is directed toward various locations on Earth. In the winter, the
sun is relatively low in the sky with its lowest arc through the sky on the winter solstice, on
December 21st. In the summer, the sun travels a high path through the sky and is at its highest
angle on the summer solstice, on June 21st. So throughout the summer months, the Sun is high in
the sky while during the winter months, the Sun crosses much lower in the sky.
Due to the nature of treehouses, heat loss is a problem we will face, therefore implementing these
strategies are crucial to the success of heating and cooling of the treehouses. Typically, before
plans for any sort of construction begin, an evaluation of the annual path of the Sun in relation to
the specific construction site is necessary. Based on the suns movements throughout the year,
passive solar buildings typically have their windows oriented on the southern face in order to gain
as much solar energy as possible to warm the building during the winter. In order to stay cool
during summer months, passive solar buildings rely on shading, typically through an extended
overhang, to keep the building cool. Simply by orienting windows and constructing a building
with passive solar techniques, a building can reduce its heating and cooling costs by 85 percent.
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/passive-solar-home-design

DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION:
Windows:
As stated before, during the day, the low winter sun can direct solar energy
through windows, allowing the energy to be absorbed into the buildings
thermal mass. While the windows allow heat into a building to be absorbed,
their transparent nature allows the heat to escape a building. To help prevent
this during cold months, it is recommended that the glass panes are doubled
(double glazing). An insulated window covering or thick shade can also be
used to help insulate the windows in order to prevent solar energy from
escaping the building.
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION:
Overhang:
In the summer, as temperatures rise, a
passive solar building uses its thermal
mass to help the building maintain a low
temperature. In order for this to happen,
the solar energy during the summer
must be prevented from reaching the
thermal mass of the building. By
traveling high in the summer sky, a
proper overhang or other type of system
is needed to shade or cover the window,
in the summer. This will cause the solar
energy to be blocked when it is desired to
have the building cooler than the outside
temperature.


Photo Credit: http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/W/AE_window_overhang.html
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION:
Trellis:
The great part about Treetopia living is
having the trees as a natural trellis.
Adding trellises for the east and west
facing windows, where awnings would
not be effective because the angle of
light is not as direct on these sides of
the house, is a great method of
insulation. A trellis for the homes that
are not physically in trees can be
made inexpensively by using chicken
wire and an old window frame or
bamboo and string. Then, you adding
growing vines or hanging plants to the
trellis would block unwanted light in
the summer or spring months.


http://homerenovations.about.com/od/energysaving/a/Green-Passive-Design.htm
Photo Credit: http://theflyingtortoise.blogspot.com/2012/12/tiny-tempting-treehouses.html
MATERIALS/CONSTRUCTION:
Wood use:
Students and professors could choose to live
in outdoor, self designed and constructed
homes made from natural materials
found and sourced from campus, or from
recycled materials. In Alamance County,
there is an abundance of trees that can be
found in the Elon Forest, as well as in the
surrounding areas around Loy Farm,
which would provide as valuable lumber
for construction. Some of the trees in
these locations, and various other
locations, could be used if managed
appropriately.
Photo Credit: elon.edu
MATERIALS/CONSTRUCTION:
Wood use:
In addition, reclaimed wood from the area would provide for a green
building material recycled at its highest end of utilization. Due to
the amount of wood waste going to landfills, as well as
deforestation and diminishing natural resources, using reclaimed
wood helps in protecting and preserving healthy forests. Mature
wood that would be used is stronger, as it has been exposed to
various elements over time that has made it durable and less
prone to either warping or splitting. Lumber can be reclaimed
from various sources, while the most prolific supply comes from
old buildings, such as barns and warehouses. Due to the size and
volume of the timber, the pieces are flexible with regard to any
future, recycled, use.
http://greenbusinesswatch.org/blog/the-benefits-of-reclaimed-timber
Photo Credit: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1827233/Reclaimed-wood-cladding--wood-flooring-montreal
MATERIALS/CONSTRUCTION:
Wood use:
Lastly, the purchase and use of certified
wood from organizations such as the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) could
allow for the use of lumber that has been
managed in an environmentally friendly
way, with consideration for indigenous
peoples rights, community relations, and
conservation. With a set of 10 principles
and 57 criteria, FSC has developed the
most rigorous and credible forest
certification system.

https://us.fsc.org

Photo Credit: http://alleghenymountainhardwoodflooring.com/environment/fsc-certification/
Photo Credit: http://greglunger.com

Photo Credit:
http://treehousebydesign.com/treehouse-living-off-the-
land-1189


MATERIALS/CONSTRUCTION:
Insulation:
For insulation, in order to prevent energy loss in a
building, it is recommended to install batting to
prevent convection that can occur through
building materials, such as wood. Unrolling
fiberglass batting is an example of an easy way to
install insulation in an unfinished wall. Additionally,
the use of a reflective barrier against the inside of
a wall or roof adds to the insulation's
effectiveness. Considering the chosen insulation's
R-value when planning the construction of a
building is important. Technically, R-value is the
measure of the amount of heat transfer allowed
through the material. The higher the R-value, the
less energy can be lost through convection.

Photo Credit: cmsgreen.com
MATERIALS/CONSTRUCTION:
Tire insulation for community center:
The use of tires for insulation offer an efficient passive-solar
design that will save a significant amount of energy.
Earth rammed tire insulated building will have a
Carbon-Zero footprint during its construction and
maintenance, unlike many of the other insulative
options available. While the Earthship books began
offering tire wall concepts in the late 1980s, tire walls
likely started much longer ago. The tire walls offer a
bermed, passive-solar home, while using materials
that are renewable and free, drawing almost no
energy resources from the Earth. In addition, there are
relatively low maintenance costs that are associated
with using tires and rammed earth for insulation.
http://www.touchtheearthranch.com/tirestart.htm


Photo Credit: http://www.pinterest.com/explore/earth-ship/
MATERIALS/CONSTRUCTION:
Temperatures with tire insulation for community center:
The inside temperature of a building would be relatively consistent within
normal temperatures necessary for living due to the inherent thermal mass
storage and significant amount of solar energy through our windows. During
the winter, some buildings using this type of insulation will reach a minimum
temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. On sunny days, there will be
substantial heat in a building that will help use as little energy as possible.
According to some case studies, the ambient temperature would not
fluctuate more than one or two degrees Fahrenheit because of the thermal
mass that the tires and rammed earth provide, meaning that almost no
energy is needed for heating, while cooling can be managed easily. The use
of tires and rammed earth can reduce outside noise five times better than
typical insulation, and can have an R-240 value if constructed correctly.
http://www.touchtheearthranch.com/tirestart.htm

COMMUNITY
CENTER
This community center design was
created by one of our team members.
The walls are made of earth rammed
tires and were chosen for their insulating
ability and upcycled sustainability.
While other community centers could be built up
in the trees we chose this design to provide a
space for students to socialize in a more
grounded setting. Having community centers on
the ground allows for larger gatherings and the
inclusion of people not living in Treetopia.
Additional outside seating and tables could be
brought over and placed around the building but
could not be as easily accomplished if the
building were up in the trees.

Design by Cameron Douglas using Sketchup
SOLAR-POWERED BATHING
ALTERNATIVES
Straw bale solar powered shower

Straw bale construction is a method of building
that uses straw as a structural building material,
or as insulation, or both. In this case, the
structure is non-load bearing with a timber frame.
Straw has several advantages: it is cheap,
readily available, renewable and highly
insulating.
- wheat can be sourced from local farms

The foundations of the building can rest on piles
made from recycled tyres filled with rammed
chalk from the site
- footprint of the building is minimal

The water soaks away into a French drain filled
with recycled tyre chippings


http://www.sustainability-centre.org/project.php?id=6
Photo Credit:http://www.sustainability-centre.org/project.php?id=6
STRAW BALE SOLAR POWERED
SHOWER
HEATING: Evacuated glass tubes filled with a non-toxic liquid provide the heat for the
showers. When sunlight hits the panel, the liquid inside turns to gas and rises to the top of
the tube. The heat from the gas is then transferred to a pipe of glycol that is in a closed
loop, which then goes on to the boiler to heat the water. A small electric motor is used to
pump the glycol around the system, and the water temperature is monitored and
regulated by a control box .
The whole installation when fully operational will provide enough hot water for up to 30
showers per day. To allow for constant use all year round we will add an immersion
heater back up
FLOORING: draining grate

HARVESTING RAINWATER as a means to obtain the water for bathing, harvest in a collection
bin on ceiling, filter through silt - sediment filtration: remove pollutants from stormwater
runoff

ACCESSIBILITY: We will create enlarged versions of these showers with stalls for 15-20
students at a time, two being on each side of lake Mary Nell
GREEN ROOF
Green Roof: roof of a building covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted
over a waterproofing membrane
- absorb rainwater (acts as a filter for pollutants),
provide insulation, create a habitat for wildlife
- two types: extensive, intensive
extensive: shallow, lighter, require minimal
maintenance, support less plant life
intensive: thicker, can support a wide variety
of plants, heavier & require more
maintenance
Photo Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_roof
ROOFTOP GARDENING
Photo Credit: http://www.carolineperget.com/2012/green-roof/green-roof-ex5-visitor-center-shelter/
These rooftop gardens,
while not suitable for
use on treehouses,
could be used on any
ground based
buildings. Their use
would be for growing
food crops or other
beneficial plants,
possibly to attract
pollinators to help
pollinate the gardens.
ROOFTOP GARDENING
Vines: virginia creeper, virgins bower, and crossvines provide full-sun/shade
Seasonal (and Native) Fruits and vegetables in North Carolina:
- year round: beets, carrots, lettuce, mint, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes
- spring: cherries, lemons, strawberries, rhubarb, peas
- summer: blackberries, blueberries, basil, bell peppers
- fall: broccoli, eggplant, herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- winter: kale, leeks, potatoes



http://www.growingagreenerworld.com
http://www.ncwildflower.org/index.php/native_plants/recommendations
Photo Credit: http://www.invernessflhotel.com/2014-florida-blueberry-festival/
PERMACULTURAL PRACTICES AT
PLAY
Conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have
the diversity and resilience of natural ecosystems
Place the garden near the community center to provide a place in which everyone can
work on it regularly and take from when they need to. Along with rooftop gardens, the
main community garden will provide a larger array of fruits and vegetables that the
students will work to grow and (minimally) tend to together.

Vegetables will grow together in clusters that will provide
mutual benefits to each plant with minimal human
interference to mimic natural flows
Photo Credit: http://www.eatcology.com/what-is-permaculture
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Elon University Contacts






Contact Elon faculty to make your voice heard!
Elaine Turner
DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE
(336) 278-7300
eturner12@elon.edu
Leo Lambert
PRESIDENT
(336) 278-7900
lambert@elon.edu