Sundt has completed the $67.2 million South County Justice Center (also known as the Porterville Courthouse) in Porterville, Calif. – an innovative facility equipped with sophisticated security, audio-visual (AV) and transaction systems. The web-based technology allows the building to be monitored and controlled remotely by a statewide communication network and enables functions like payment processing reports, security operations, and AV operations to be performed offsite. The innovative technology eliminates the need for onsite IT staff and reduces the operating budget for the project’s user, Superior Court of California, County of Tulare, and the owner, California’s Judicial Branch.
The 96,500-square-foot building also boasts an unusual, environmentally friendly mechanical system that utilizes chilled beam passive cooling with thermal energy storage units (using ice made at night when energy rates are cheapest) and radiant heat to regulate indoor temperatures. Other sustainable features include low-water-use fixtures and landscaping, photovoltaic solar panels, several locally sourced and renewable materials, and a green roof (a roof that is planted like a garden).
The courthouse construction project includes nine courtrooms, judges’ chambers, a jury assembly room with access to an exterior plaza and terrazzo benches on the green roof, jury deliberation rooms, support services, clerk offices and work areas, public walk-up windows and queuing areas, an in-custody holding area, security control rooms and a sally port.