Camp Twin Lakes TreeHouse by Lord, Aeck & Sargent

Designed with serve educational space for learning about nature and sustainability in Camp Twin Lakes Rutledge – Georgia, the Atlanta based architecture firm Lord, Aeck & Sargent design a “Green House” treehouse for a camp. This Treehouse constructed as an extension to Camp Twin Lakes, a camp dedicated to kids with special needs, this treehouse is not only beautiful, fun and kid friendly, but green.

The treehouse has a 1,700 square-foot roof garden, domed skylights, 1.4 kW solar array that powers the ceiling fans and misting system, two composting toilets, and a foundation built from wooden telephone poles. The design includes one octagonal-shaped main space in the center – used primarily for environmental arts and crafts – with a series of four, multi-sided spaces.

Another space with built-in bench seating forms an arc of about 270 degrees and is used for the camp’s drumming program. A smaller space is used for storytelling and small group activities. The other two spaces, which flank the doorway to the main space, are a utility room and a staff/storage room. Combined, the main interior room and four smaller spaces, along with an upper level overlook, known as the “bird’s nest” because it is located amid the boughs of a large oak tree, comprise 1,200 square feet of enclosed space surrounded by a 600-square-foot covered deck. The enclosed area has floor-to-ceiling windows with double layer screens.







The intent of the “Wild Side” was to get the children outdoors and away from mechanically conditioned spaces, though the special needs of the children did necessitate some protection from hot Georgia summers. The treehouse has ceiling fans in the main rooms and a mister system that runs through the eaves; these two systems combined make the air in and around the treehouse noticeably cooler by at least 8 degrees