Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Tree House
Your group of junior energy consultants will enter a contest to design an energy-efficient tree
house.
Your team must present its testing methods and 1.) propose and build a model (see required
components) which best exemplifies the highest standards of energy efficiency and conservation of
thermal energy. Be prepared to justify your method of choice, as well as give 2.) a detailed floor plan
of the tree house(see required components). You will also be required to 3.) present the potential
positive and negative impacts that your development could have on the environment and
community. Does the project provide for the use of renewable resources rather than non-renewable
resources? Is there flow used in the model for resources, e.g., sunlight, wind? Does the construction
of the project promote the preservation of the ecosystem and animal habitat?
Required Components
1. A floor plan of your tree house indicating the location of all windows, doors and
skylights, including the direction these items face. (Drawn on a separate sheet. Include colour if
you choose. In the diagram, illustrate the heat flow in the tree house, i.e., heating vents,
air-conditioning vents, return air vents use straight lines, label things in your house, try to be as
accurate in size of objects compared to the dimensions of the house..........YOU ARE AN
ENGINEER DESIGNING A TREEHOUSE!)
2. A MODEL illustrating a REPLICA of your tree house. Use recyclables as much as possible,
wood, aluminium, paper, cardboard, plastic etc to add any detail to your model. The tree
house model cannot exceed in size of a XEROX box (2 feet length, 1 foot wide, 1 foot
high)
3. A written 3 paragraph proposal of your recommendations to the engineering
company that is deciding to choose YOUR plans and ideas. Be convincing yet
professional. The winning projects will be sending these off to the companies.
Getting Started
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Determine which features are vital to the physical structure and stability of your tree house. FLOOR PLAN AND MODEL REPLICA
Construct a replica model of your house. Include things you would use in your REAL house
design too. - MODEL REPLICA
Determine which features may contribute to maximizing energy efficiency and conservation of
thermal energy. - FLOOR PLAN
Determine which features from #1 and #2 are feasible (cost worthy). Include types of wood and
piping that you would use in the REAL actual house. - FLOOR PLAN
Develop a detailed floor plan. Include furniture, windows, outlets, appliances, etc....anything
you would like to see in a house......cool or plain:) - FLOOR PLAN
Provide a 3 paragraph written proposal, outlining the developments of your construction. REPORT PROPOSAL
Explain how you will insulate your tree house. Include a side picture of your walls in your
detailed diagram, labelled and drawn to scale as best as possible. - FLOOR PLAN
Submit your proposal for approval. - ENTIRE WINNING PROJECT
Prompts for brainstorming and research
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How will your tree house be heated?
Will this source of heating create environmental concerns?
Can the surrounding environment contribute positively to the construction?
How valid is direction when placing windows?
How valid is the colour of material?
What material will you choose to insulate your tree house?
Research those questions left unanswered. Apply acquired skills and facts to your architectural
challenge.
Energy Efficient Construction Considerations
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Heating and Cooling
Doors and Windows
Landscaping
Lighting
Insulation, Weathering, and Ventilation
Foundations
Walls and Windows
Roofs and Ceilings
Piping