Modern Justice Architecture: Santa Clara Family Justice Center with Architectural Precast Panels

As a courthouse, the Santa Clara Family Justice Center required more than just aesthetic appeal. The building needed to be durable, easy to maintain, and capable of protecting occupants from potential blast and sniper attacks. The use of Architectural Precast panels met these criteria, providing a robust and secure structure. The design’s slender column covers needed to resist large overturning loads, a challenge addressed through innovative engineering solutions.

The alternating composition of the curtain wall and precast concrete panels made traditional connections insufficient. The amount of weld required to resist overturning could have deformed the structural steel and misaligned the panels. To address these challenges, Willis Construction’s engineering team developed custom connections featuring ductile fuses. These fuses, tested at the University of California, San Diego, were designed to yield and deform under high loads, allowing for joint-free corners and minimal panel-to-panel joint sizes. This innovative approach significantly improved the precast panel system’s response to blast loading.

The Santa Clara Family Justice Center Courthouse stands as a testament to the versatility and strength of Architectural Precast concrete. The collaboration between ZGF Architects, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., and Willis Construction resulted in a building that is both beautiful and functional. The project received the 2016 PCI National Award for Best Justice and Correctional Building, highlighting its excellence in design and construction.

The successful completion of this project underscores Willis Construction’s expertise in precast solutions. The use of custom form liners, integral colors, and innovative engineering techniques allowed for a seamless blend of classical and modern architectural elements. The Santa Clara Family Justice Center Courthouse sets a new standard for justice buildings, providing a welcoming and secure environment for all who enter.

Enhancing Civic Architecture with Precast Panels

The Santa Clara Family Justice Center project demonstrates how Architectural Precast panels can be used to create significant public buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The strategic use of precast concrete allowed for the realization of a design that meets both the visual and security needs of a modern courthouse. The incorporation of custom design elements, such as the state seal and the alternating bands of solid and void, showcases the versatility of precast concrete in achieving complex architectural goals.

Willis Construction’s innovative solutions and craftsmanship were pivotal in bringing this ambitious architectural vision to life. For architects, builders, and developers seeking to create high-quality civic infrastructure projects, Willis Construction offers the expertise and advanced precast solutions necessary to deliver exceptional results. The Santa Clara Family Justice Center Courthouse is a prime example of how precast concrete can transform architectural designs into enduring landmarks.