• Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

  • Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

  • Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

  • Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

  • Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

  • Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

  • Bill Timmerman

    Bill Timmerman

of

Innovation

Fentress Architects reveal $193m new Johnson County Courthouse in Kansas

The firm and its partners, TreanorHL and JE Dunn Construction, unveiled an inside look at the new 356,831 sq ft structure in Olathe, US

by Georgina Johnston 25 November 2021 Sustainable Buildings

The building incorporates 28 new courtrooms, flexible space for six to eight additional courtrooms, and supporting functions including a law library, court administration, district attorney, court clerk, help centre, court trustee, justice information management, sheriff’s office and other services necessary to serve all judicial needs for the Johnson County community.

The new courthouse blends modern, innovative architectural features with traditional elements to create a truly 21st Century and sustainable facility that will serve the community’s needs for the next 75 years, accommodate the expected growth of 10,000 residents per year, and fulfill the county’s goal to reduce energy by 30%. 

Aesthetic highlights such as a limestone-clad screen wall serves as a major design detail and defines the main entrance while paying homage to the materials and forms found in Kansas geology and history. Inside the courthouse, the “Emporium of Justice” is the facility’s main entrance and lobby where visitors pass through security.

The ‘Emporium of Justice’ is an innovative design feature that was incorporated into the building’s architecture to create a truly open, accessible, and convenient environment for the community. This two-storey space provides easy access to the most used public services, creating a highly intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Curtis Fentress, Principal of Design, Fentress Architects

To exude a sense of openness and transparency, an expansive glass curtain wall and punched windows create a smooth transition between outside and inside. Terrazzo floors, glass handrails, acoustical plaster ceilings, and custom millwork contribute to the courthouse’s durability and monumental image. 

The courthouse’s design features numerous sustainable details to reduce energy consumption. Designed to USGBC LEED Gold and WELL Building Institute principles, environmentally-friendly elements include generous daylighting, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, reduction of heat island effect through thoughtful selection of roof membranes and exterior materials, energy efficient systems, durable and long-lasting materials, low-emitting materials, and flexible design for future adaptation.

The context-driven design was the curving Kansas-limestone wall. Inspired by Kansas geology and the historic Conestoga wagons that traveled through Johnson County on the nearby Santa Fe Trail, it signifies the main entrance to the building, welcoming visitors to the site. 

To enhance openness and accessibility, an open, accessible lobby design contributes to the transparency in government by making public functions visible to visitors from both the first and second floors. This unique programme element was designed to provide visual connection and quick access to the most-frequently used public spaces.

In optimising flexibility, a total of 28 courtrooms were designed with the ability to change to a different courtroom type as needs arise. Each courtroom has raised access flooring, enabling courtroom configurations to change and technology to upgrade. Accessibility features include ramps to raised bench and witness areas, and height-adjustable judge’s bench and podium.

A public art piece installed by Los Angeles-based Ball-Nogues studio, “Open Prairie”, integrates into the building’s design and creates a network of vibrant colours as visitors enter the courthouse.

The third level features both collaborative and open spaces and is entirely dedicated to the District Attorney office, in which workspaces access natural daylight. The reception area was designed to be a modern welcoming and calming space, anticipating visitation by victims and witnesses. Collaboration and meeting spaces are scattered throughout the floor.

The Jury Assembly space connects to the community room which features a variety of seating options and an outdoor terrace to alleviate discomfort. The jury deliberation suites feature floor-to-floor glass with access to natural daylight and views.

To ensure security and safety, the basement features direct vehicle access for in-custody transfers, as well as an underground tunnel that connects the courthouse to the Central Booking Facility. The basement holding areas are connected to secure elevators for private transfer of prisoners to temporary holding areas between each courtroom. The building also has a 50 ft stand-off around the entire site. 


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