Sundara Inn & Spa Addition Project of Distinction
2018
Sundara Inn & Spa is a world-class destination devoted to wellness and relaxation. Wellness is Sundara’s mission in everything they do. Opened in 2003, Sundara has been extremely successful, receiving numerous awards. Ready to begin a new chapter, they did an expansion and renovation to existing spaces. The expansion was completed in May 2018.
The expansion enhances Sundara’s already exceptional amenities and services by adding new treatment and relaxation rooms, a full-service restaurant, a salt therapy room, a demonstration space with a kitchen, and a manicure/pedicure salon. A Cambrian oasis with a pool and swim-up bar allow guests to retreat to a secluded, tranquil environment surrounded by replicated Cambrian sandstone formation and subdued lighting. Outside, hidden in the quiet forest of Wisconsin Dells, guests can relax on a patio with fire pits and an outdoor pool.
Sundara remained in operation throughout construction, requiring the addition to be completed before the renovation could begin. There was no room for schedule delays. Holtz Builders, Inc completed the addition on time, with limited work hours often required to maintain the relaxing and tranquil environment for each guest.
Remaining in operation throughout construction created a unique environment on the Holtz Builders’ construction site. Maintaining the quiet, peaceful oasis for guests was challenging, and often required late starts and early end times, threatening the already tight schedule. Cleanliness on the site and at construction entrances also helped minimize the visual impact on guests. A close partnership with the owner was essential to ensure the success of the project in the limited time frame while minimizing the impact on the guests. Sundara even reported a surprising increase in guests during construction.
Further challenging the strict deadline, there were 19 plan revisions to the addition. A few of the revisions required completed work to be altered. Each revision added to the scope of work and the time needed to complete the project. Holtz Builders’ ability to prepare for each revision ahead of time to prevent rework, minimized the impact on the schedule. Despite the additional work, there was no room to vary from the scheduled completion date. Rooms and appointments were booked in the addition before the project was completed. Any variation from the scheduled completion date would have caused a significant negative impact on the customer and guests, something at the forefront of our minds throughout the entire construction process.
Numerous designers were involved in the Sundara expansion. Many of the revisions were created because of this process. There was a civil engineer, structural engineer, architect, spa consultant, pool designer, MEP design build, and a greenhouse designer. Merging different designs often required close collaboration between the designers to prevent or correct any variances. There were changes to civil and structural work, along with numerous changes to finishes. Some of the collaborators were not brought in at the beginning of the design process, magnifying the incompatibility between designs. Specifically, the spa coordinator was included later in the project causing changes to electrical, casework, and other finishes. HVAC also required changes to fit the different environments in different areas of the spa. The pool and salt room both have very different atmospheres than other parts of the building and HVAC needed to be modified to enhance those experiences.
The creativity from involving several designers shaped a stunning addition to Sundara, filled with unique and intricate details. The outstanding architectural details and finishes required exceptional skill and workmanship from many on the project. There was detailed tile and wood work. Curved surfaces in the ceiling, woodwork, and walls challenged multiple subcontractors but enhanced the beauty of the addition. The full-service restaurant shown here includes many of those details, including a wooden pinwheel on the ceiling.
With the unique details, various designers, and several plan revisions, the Sundara addition proved to be the biggest challenge Holtz Builders’ team has accomplished. The stunning addition, completed right on time, will provide a sanctuary-like retreat to the many guests that will visit Sundara in the years to come. The Holtz Builders construction team was very privileged to be involved in the creation of this world class destination.