The Oasis at Death Valley Renovation and Modernization
Death Valley, Calif. 
Award of Merit

Owner: Xanterra Parks & Resorts
Lead Design Firm: OZ Architecture
General Contractor: GE Johnson Construction Co./Kitchell Corp., a Joint Venture
Structural Engineer: Monroe & Newell Engineers Inc.
Civil Engineer: Martin/Martin Inc.
MEP Engineer: BG Buildingworks Inc.

The resort is located in Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest places on the planet. Jobsite temperatures regularly rose above 100 degrees, so all workers attended a special safety orientation for how to work in hot weather. The jobsite provided water and adequate shade. Aging, unmarked utilities were also a challenge. Demolition revealed a multitude of unforeseen issues, many related to previous renovations and makeshift construction. Examples include a preexisting water line that couldn’t handle the pressure of a new fire-sprinkler system and electrical power that couldn’t support the added construction equipment. Adding to the difficulties, 22 unmarked utilities crisscrossed within a 20-ft run in one area.

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