Hanford Courthouse - Kings County Superior Court

Hanford, CA

Designed as a window to the agricultural vistas of the surrounding region and mountains in the distance, the Kings County Superior Courthouse features a stunning 4-story vertical circulation stair allowing light to permeate the building through the expansive curtain wall façade. Although airy and open, the structure supporting the courthouse features enhanced threat protection including a perimeter steel moment frame system that is designed to mitigate progressive collapse in a catastrophic event while maximizing the open area of the structure. Buehler performed a unique staged-load analysis to realistically represent progressive collapse and efficiently design the structure to prevent it. 

Quick Facts

  • Size: 144,000 SF
  • Architect: DLR Group
  • The building orientation was chosen to take advantage of views of the mountains from all north facing offices while minimizing direct views of the adjacent correctional facility.
  • Construction Cost: $86,000,000
  • Contractor: Sundt Construction
  • The courthouse and adjacent correctional facility were connected by extending an existing underground tunnel

Awards:

  • 2017 AIA Orlando - Built Award of Honor   
  • 2017 AIA San Fernando Valley - Citation Award
  • 2016 WCCC - Outstanding Project Achievement (New Buildings)

Photo credit: Chip Allen Architectural Photography