Aerial view of Capital Judicial Center in Augusta, ME
Portland, ME – The recent grand opening of the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta, Maine marked the completion of nearly five years of planning, design, and construction by a Maine-based team led by PDT Architects’ Alan G. Kuniholm, AIA, LEED AP.
The most prominent new state building in decades, the 120,000sf courthouse sits on a dramatic sloping site above the City of Augusta, within sight of the statehouse dome. Planned as a consolidated court, the building combines district and superior courts with the Administrative Office of the Courts and other court functions. It is connected to the historic Kennebec County Court by a third-story bridge, which provides secure access to the ceremonial courtroom, that will continue to be used when the Maine Supreme Court sits in Augusta and for ceremonial occasions.
The design combines traditional durable courthouse materials with a concern for the dignity and privacy of the public, providing natural light in all public spaces and a variety of waiting and conference spaces. The same elegance pervades office and work areas, which take advantage of beautiful views north, south, and east to the Kennebec River. Several Percent for Art works, including a mural by Christopher Cart, depict the Kennebec River and its history. The sloping nature of the site made it possible to tuck a story of staff parking and secure detainee transport under the building.
The design observes ideal courthouse planning principles, with separate, secure circulation for staff, detainees, and the judiciary. High efficiency zone heating and cooling is provided by chilled beams and radiant floor heating. Other high-efficiency features include water-saving fixtures; a white, reflective roof; highly efficient windows; LED lighting; CO2 sensors to direct the delivery of fresh air; insulation with high recycled content; and a high-performance envelope.
Designed by PDT Architects, with Allied Engineering, MEP; Becker Structural Engineering; Gorrill-Palmer Consulting Engineers, civil and traffic; Terrence J. DeWan & Associates, landscape architecture; RDK Engineers (Building Solutions Group), commissioning services, and built by Consigli, the energy-efficient four-story building is in the process of LEED certification, targeting LEED Silver. Other consultants include Moyer Associates, Cavanaugh-Tocci Associates, Communications Design Associates, J + M Lighting Design, Exactitude, The Thompson and Lichtner Company, and Sutherland Conservation.
