Ralph L Carr Justice Center
Photo courtesy of Fentress Architects
Denver, Colorado
Architect
Fentress Architects
Overview
One of the most sustainable courthouse complexes in the United States, this building consolidates offices and pursues efficiency from both a judicial and an energy perspective. The building is located along the perimeter of Denver’s historic Civic Center Park and adjacent to the Colorado State Capitol.
According to Fentress Architects, the design is centered around a large glass entryway welcomes visitors and symbolizes the transparency of government. Inside, a four-story atrium draws the eye up to the entrances of the three appellate courtrooms. On the ground floor, the educational learning center provides an interactive experience with exhibits and hands-on games that enlighten both young and old to the inner workings of the judiciary. Above the first floor, the atrium opens up on one side to reveal a dramatic view of the state capitol, reinforcing the checks-and-balances relationship among the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government.
Our Role
Studio NYL served as the Facade Designers on the project.
Approach
The project includes many elements that Studio NYL employs regularly in its facades. Here, we developed a long span facade structure that would have minimum structure to maximize views of the Colorado State Capitol. Horizontal steel fins were hung from the roof with stainless steel rods. Veneer extrusions were mounted directly to the fins to provide a glass capture system that could be warrantied by the glazing subcontractor. All vertical mullions were eliminated to minimize obstructions to desired view lines. The insulated glass wall spans a curved aperture 70 feet tall by 40 feet wide. This combination of hung tensile support and veneer curtain wall extrusions enabled the overall system to be lighter, more transparent, more thermally efficient, and less costly than a conventional curtain wall system of this scope and span.
“This project is a perfect example of how high-design and high-performance can work hand-in-hand with thoughtful attention to materials and details.”
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Photos courtesy of Fentress Architects
