Olbrich Gardens Royal Thai Pavilion Roof Replacement

Last Updated: 10/18/2023

Latest Update

October 18, 2023
Visit our project Flickr page for additional photos!

Oct. 3, 2023 update: The contractor has mobilized on site and the scaffolding is being set up. The scaffolding will completely enclose the structure so that crews can work over winter. The roof tile submittals are being reviewed to ensure the best match to the existing roof tiles.
Royal Thai Pavilion 20231003-1 Royal Thai Pavilion 20231003-2 Royal Thai Pavilion 20231003-3

Project Overview

The Royal Thai Pavilion, located in Olbrich Botanical Gardens at 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin was fabricated in Thailand using traditional construction techniques and materials. The pavilion was a gift to the University of Wisconsin – Madison from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. The pavilion was constructed in Thailand and then shipped to Wisconsin to be reconstructed by Thai artisans at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in September of 2001. The pavilion is constructed of plantation-grown teak without the use of nails or screws. The structure is 40 feet long, 22 feet wide and 30 feet high. The structure of the pavilion is in excellent condition; however, the architectural finishes have deteriorated since the construction of the pavilion. The roof ridge caps and flashing details are in poor condition and require replacement.The City and Olbrich Botanical Gardens would like to understand the best way to make repairs to the structure and are commissioning a report to be completed by a consultant. The purpose of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Royal Thai Pavilion Condition Assessment and Repair Report project is to assess the condition and prioritize repairs for the pavilion structure and finish materials with specific interest in developing a plan to repair the roof system using methods that retain traditional Thai construction techniques. A consultant Request for Proposals was issued on September 3, 2021 and responses are due October 1, 2021.June 1, 2022: InSite Consulting Architects was selected to prepare a condition assessment report and construction documents to inform the roof repair. InSite conducted a survey of the roof materials, the structural framing members, and the decorative finishes and determined that the roof was in critical condition. In addition, InSite found that the decorative finishes required repair. A Public Information Meeting is being scheduled for June 1 to share the findings of the report and the plan to complete the repairs.
October 10, 2022 update: InSite Consulting Architects provided a condition assessment report that describes the condition of the components of the Royal Thai Pavilion. The condition of the roof shingles and flashings were determined to be poor and in need of replacement. Other components were found to be in fair to good condition. To address the critical roof condition, InSite is currently preparing Construction Documents with the plan to go to bid in the next 4-6 months. The other wood repair and decorative painting condition issues will be addressed as a separate project.
May 10, 2023 update: InSite Consulting Architects has completed the roof replacement project Construction Documents and the Request for Bids (RFB) has been posted. Bids are due June 2, 2023 by 2:00 PM. Please visit Demand Star or Vendor Net to access the RFB and bid documents.
July 05, 2023 update: Project status change to CONSTRUCTION! Bidding is complete and the contract is being finalized with the selected bidder. The clay roof tiles have a long lead time so those will be ordered soon to ensure that roof replacement work can begin in the fall.

Royal Thai Pavilion:

Olbrich Thai Sala

Public Involvement

There are a number of points of contact during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback as part of public information meetings and public hearings. Dates, times and locations are indicated below: