The Making of The Retreat at Saad Hospice

When Saad set out to build The Retreat, maintaining the connection to nature was imperative.

The property sits on 7 acres of undisturbed woodland that contains a gentle slope to the east, providing a quality typically found in the Appalachian highlands. Walking through the property mature water oaks, red oaks, and pines sit densely among the terrain. Owls hoot, birds chirp, and the transcendental elements of an untouched landscape clear the mind and provide peace for the soul. The property is beautiful, so keeping the aspects of the land or incorporating them into design was paramount.

Trees were marked for keeping, plans were changed to include some of the most mature trees, but many still needed to be removed for the building to begin. Saad made contact with tree removal companies, but rather than haul the timber away, it felt only right to use it in the facility. Several companies and contractors insisted the trees were pulpwood at best. Pulpwood is timber with the principle use of making paper products. There was something melancholy about turning

The Making of the Retreat at Saad Hospice these trees into paper products, principally as a hospice company. Our stories live on with our loved ones and we felt these trees should be a part of The Retreat’s story. A sawyer was found who believed he could turn this timber into beautiful wood. Robert fit every aspect of the wonderfully simple definition of a sawyer: One who saws. Fueled by coffee and donuts, Robert diligently sawed trees down to usable lumber. Giant trees were cut for columns and beams in the lobby, smaller timber transformed into shiplap and trim for the hallways and patient rooms. The milling process took months to complete. The lumber after being cut was then transported to a drying facility before it could be sanded and stained for use. A defining feature of The Retreat is the wood elements incorporated throughout the property and it was made possible by Robert believing this lumber had more to give. ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by The Retreat at Saad Hospice.