The Goddard School Hits Dry-In Milestone

We recently celebrated a milestone at The Goddard School project in Waunakee — the dry-in phase of construction. Marking the point when the roof and windows are in place and the building is officially sealed off from the elements. As a full design-build partner on this early childhood development project, our team at Iconica has been involved from day one, providing architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction services.

To recognize the progress, we brought out Ace, our very own Iconica food truck, and served coffee and donuts to the Goddard School team, field staff, and subcontractors. With perfect weather and a great turnout, it was a fun way to celebrate the hard work that’s gone into the project so far. Our team is full speed ahead as we work toward completing the school in time for a fall opening.

What is the Dry-In Stage?

During construction, the dry-in stage is a crucial phase where the building is sealed off from the elements to protect it from rain, wind, and other weather conditions. This typically involves completing the roof installation or at least covering it with a waterproof membrane, installing or temporarily sealing windows and doors, and covering the exterior walls with sheathing and a weather-resistant barrier. The main purpose of this stage is to make the structure weather-tight so that interior engineering and construction work can begin safely and efficiently.

Why is the Dry-In Stage Important?

Once the building is dried in, contractors can proceed with installing electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and drywall without the risk of moisture damage. Reaching this phase protects sensitive materials, allows multiple trades to work inside simultaneously, and helps keep the overall design-build schedule on track. In many cases, inspections and insurance requirements also hinge on achieving a proper dry-in, making it a critical point in any project’s architectural and construction timeline.

Looking Ahead

We’re proud to partner with The Goddard School on this exciting project. Milestones like the dry-in phase are a great reminder of how far we’ve come and how close we are to the finish line. Our integrated design-build approach allows us to move quickly, solve challenges collaboratively, and keep projects like this on track for a successful opening.

Want to see more of our work or learn how our architecture, engineering, and construction teams can support your next project? Explore more Iconica projects here.