Graham Construction Completes Saskatchewan's First Thermal Spa at Whitecap Dakota Nation

📅 6 days ago

Graham Construction has successfully completed the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa, Saskatchewan's first thermal-style spa, on Whitecap Dakota Nation lands, marking a significant milestone for the region.

Graham Construction has marked a significant achievement in Saskatchewan with the completion of the state's inaugural thermal-style spa, located on the lands of the Whitecap Dakota Nation, adjacent to the Dakota Dunes Resort, Casino, and Golf Course. This project, which took 27 months to complete, was executed under a $38 million contract. The Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa is set to be a year-round destination focused on relaxation, wellness, and cultural connection. Designed to cater to approximately 270 to 300 guests, the facility features 12 treatment rooms, five outdoor hot pools, two cold plunge pools, saunas, steam facilities, relaxation areas, water features, dining options, and outdoor gathering spaces throughout the site. To ensure year-round usability, heated pathways have been integrated to connect guests across the outdoor experience. The main spa building is designed to evoke a warm, natural ambiance, heavily utilizing mass timber elements throughout its construction, as noted in a recent release. A central gathering space is characterized by glulam columns and beams, while tongue-and-groove wood finishes enhance the interior's texture. The upper level features floor-to-ceiling curtain wall glazing, which allows natural light to flood the space. The spa also thoughtfully incorporates Indigenous design elements and cultural themes. Among the outdoor gathering areas are seven fire pits symbolizing the Seven Council Fires. Additionally, within the main building, custom tilework along the feature stair wall creates two interconnected teepees, symbolizing the connection between the sky and earth, according to the release. Graham Construction adopted an integrated delivery approach for the project, emphasizing early collaboration during the design phase and maintaining this collaboration throughout the construction process. Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture served as the prime consultant for the build. The execution of the project required meticulous coordination to meet schedule objectives within a condensed construction window, particularly given the extensive site and landscape work involved. The construction sequencing was strategically phased to align with the underground thermal infrastructure, allowing overlapping work activities across various site areas and thus supporting efficient project progression. Additional coordination was necessary concerning building systems, including the specialized integration of in-floor heating and its associated controls.

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