Harvard University has opened the David Rubenstein Treehouse, its first mass timber building, designed by Studio Gang. The 55,000-square-foot facility is part of the new Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) in Allston, Massachusetts, which aims to transform a former industrial site into a mixed-use area for learning, living, and working. Studio Gang collaborated on the ERC master plan with Henning Larsen, SCAPE, and Utile.
Drawing inspiration from the structure of trees, the building features timber bracing across its glazed facade and wood columns that rise like trunks, reinforcing the “treehouse” concept. Inside, a double-height atrium wrapped in timber forms the central circulation hub, with a mezzanine overlooking the space. Timber staircases connect the levels, branching out to meeting and flexible event areas on the upper floors.
Studio Gang emphasized sustainability through the use of low-carbon materials, including responsibly sourced wood and cement made from recycled glass. The result is a 55 percent reduction in embodied carbon compared to similar buildings using conventional materials. Solar panels power the structure, and rainwater is collected and reused, while all interior finishes are free from polyfluoroalkyl substances. The project meets Harvard’s Healthier Building Academy standards and targets both Living Building Challenge Core Certification and Petal Certification.
“As a Harvard alumna and faculty member, it’s so rewarding to have the opportunity to help define a new chapter for Harvard’s campus,” said Jeanne Gang, founder, Studio Gang, and Harvard Graduate School of Design professor. “The Rubenstein Treehouse is a building that opens itself up, welcomes all people, and serves as a visual and programmatic anchor to the ERC.”
Studio Gang is also designing One Milestone West, a laboratory and research facility within the ERC. Additional developments include a residential complex by MVRDV and a hotel by Marlon Blackwell Architects, both expected to open by early 2026.
Image Courtesy: The Architect’s Newspaper
