Harvard University Treehouse

McDonald Electrical Corporation is proud to announce the successful completion of Harvard University’s Treehouse project at 20 Western Ave in Allston. This innovative building, part of Harvard’s ongoing campus expansion, features a highly coordinated electrical installation integrated within a uniquely engineered, prefabricated mass‑timber structure.

Project Scope

• Lighting Systems: We installed advanced lighting solutions throughout the building, designed to enhance custom architectural elements and illuminate the high‑atrium spaces with precision and efficiency.
• Fire Alarm Systems: The fire alarm equipment, furnished and installed by CDS, was fully integrated into the building’s life‑safety infrastructure and commissioned to meet Harvard’s rigorous standards.
• Gear & Distribution: All electrical gear, supplied by Graybar/SqD, was installed to support a reliable and resilient power distribution system for the facility.
• Generator & Systems Coordination: McDonald Electrical coordinated closely with CAT on generator components and communication systems, working alongside Harvard’s project management team to ensure seamless system integration.

Project Challenges

• Living Building Challenge (LBC) Requirements: As our first LBC project, this work required 100% compliance with stringent sustainability standards. We successfully sourced non‑toxic materials, verified local‑origin criteria, and managed the expanded documentation and extended procurement timelines necessary to meet LBC requirements.
• Prefabricated Wood Structure: The prefabricated mass‑timber design demanded precise routing and exact penetrations. Our team coordinated proactively with the building manufacturer to ensure every electrical pathway aligned perfectly with the prefabricated components.
• Architecturally Integrated Lighting: Custom lighting fixtures and design features demand careful planning to ensure clean, seamless architectural integration.
• High Atrium Ceiling Conditions: Working within tall ceiling volumes and raised‑access floor systems required innovative routing strategies and early planning. Our team delivered efficient, well‑organized installations despite the complexity of these spaces.
• Scheduling Impacts From Sustainability Requirements: LBC material restrictions introduced procurement challenges, but through early package releases, constant coordination, and proactive planning, the project remained on schedule.