Valley of Our Lady Monastery

The Valley of Our Lady Monastery is home to a community of Cistercian nuns devoted to a life of prayer, work, and service. Originally located in Prairie du Sac, the monastery faced growing space limitations and a layout that no longer supported the rhythms of monastic life. In response, the sisters embarked on a 20-year vision to create a new home—one that would better reflect their mission and provide a lasting environment for worship, community, and daily living. That vision ultimately led to the development of a new monastery on eight acres in Hollandale, WI, designed to support both their spiritual practices and their work producing altar communion wafers for parishes across the country.

Scope of Work:
The project included the construction of a new monastery complex designed to support the new 53,000 SF monastery designed for Cistercian nuns, supporting prayer, community, and sustainable living through thoughtful planning and design. The facility provides residential accommodations, communal spaces, and a chapel, creating a cohesive environment for prayer and production. The sisters continue their longstanding tradition of producing altar communion wafers, supplying more than 13 million annually to parishes across the country.

Challenges & Solutions:
The project presented unique site and logistical challenges. The remote location and wood structure required careful coordination to secure builder’s risk insurance due to the distance from the nearest water source and fire department. Additionally, the site’s karst topography—featuring sinkholes, caves, springs, and sinking streams—created complex foundation conditions. To address these challenges, the team implemented strategic site planning and engineering solutions to ensure long-term stability. Lean construction methods, including prefabrication of wall panels, window blocking, and chapel pilaster trim, improved efficiency, enhanced quality, and streamlined installation.

Sustainability & Impact:
Sustainability was a key focus, with the design leveraging natural heat, cooling, and ventilation to support long-term energy performance. As one of the few monasteries built in recent decades, the project provides a lasting space for reflection, prayer, and service. The new Valley of Our Lady Monastery supports the sisters’ mission while offering a place of silence and peace for visitors, ensuring its role as a meaningful spiritual and community resource.