Olbrich Gardens Royal Thai Pavilion Roof Replacement

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.

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.  Visit our project Flickr page for additional photos!

Royal Thai Pavilion (Pre-Construction 2023):

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:

Public Information Meetings

May 9, 2023 Bid Talk: Royal Thai Pavilion Roof Replacement Recording

June 1, 2022 Public Information Meeting Recording
June 1, 2022 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation

In the News

Jan. 29, 2024 Wisconsin State Journal
Here's what Madisonians wrote on new tiles for the Olbrich Thai Pavilion

Jan. 28, 2024 WKOW 27
Olbrich Botanical Gardens invites people to sign new ceiling tiles at Royal Thai Pavilion

Jan. 28, 2024 Channel 3000.com
Residents sign new roof of the Royal Thai Pavilion

Jan. 28, 2024 WMTV 15
Olbrich Gardens gets 900 people to write hopeful messages on future Thai Pavilion tiles

Jan. 26, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
You can sign Spanish tiles that will be part of Olbrich Gardens' Thai pavilion on Sunday

Jan. 18, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Thai Pavilion gets a makeover in the deep of winter

Jan. 18, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Photos: Restoration of the Royal Thai Pavilion

Jan. 17, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Take a peek under the tarp during the restoration of the Royal Thai Pavilion

Nov. 20, 2023 City of Madison Mayor's Office Blog
Keeping Madison’s Royal Thai Pavilion Beautiful

Nov. 07, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
The Renovation of Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Garden, Wisconsin

Sept. 11, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Olbrich's Thai Garden off limits for the moment, as the bridge and pavilion need repairs

June 02, 2022 Wisconsin State Journal
Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens to face restoration, "We had no other alternative"

May 31, 2022 wortfm.org
Olbrich’s Royal Thai Pavilion Needs Repair