Massanutten Waterpark in Harrisonburg, Virginia
At Blauch Brothers, we are excited to help enrich the lives of our local community through our recent work on the Massanutten Waterpark expansion. For a project of this scale, the mechanical systems do more than just operate behind the scenes and they are critical to the guest experience and are prominently on display, serving both a functional and decorative purpose.
Installing Specialized Pool Units and Custom Ductwork
Our team was tasked with the complete HVAC and heavy plumbing scope for the expansion. This included installing specialized "pool units" designed to condition and dehumidify the air. That air is then distributed throughout the large space via creative, custom duct socks that serve a visual architectural purpose as much as a mechanical one.
The Challenges of an Indoor Waterpark
Waterparks present a uniquely demanding environment for mechanical systems. The space requires high volumes of air conditioning while constantly battling the highly corrosive nature of pool chemicals.
In addition to the environment, the project presented significant spatial constraints. The iconic slide tower required our team to run a large sock duct vertically through an exceptionally tall and tight space. Meanwhile, the basement mechanical room was heavily crowded with overlapping systems, requiring precise coordination to fit everything seamlessly.
Because guests are typically wearing swimwear, they are less able to regulate their own body temperature. It is critical to have the climate control spot-on so guests stay comfortably warm without the air becoming too humid to breathe easily.
Solutions Through Virtual Design and Construction
To meet these challenges, we installed heavy-duty equipment capable of handling high air volumes while resisting corrosion. But the real key to our success was our Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) process.
Our VDC team took the lead in coordinating the architectural, structural, electrical, and heavy plumbing designs. What gives Blauch Brothers a unique advantage is that our VDC team is made up of plumbers and sheet metal experts who know exactly how things are installed in the field.
While other trades didn't actively participate in the VDC modeling process, they were able to rely on our precise drawings to avoid conflicts. This upfront coordination significantly reduced our installation time, increased overall efficiency, and prevented the trade conflicts that typically stop construction and extend job schedules.
Proactive Trade Coordination
Tackling the exotic systems and intricate challenges of the Massanutten Waterpark expansion is what we do best. By leading the coordination and anticipating field conditions, we kept the project moving efficiently. Ultimately, the real gratification comes at the end of the project, knowing that our expert craftsmanship ensures every guest can comfortably enjoy their time at the pool.
