ALPOLIC Panels Used In Municipal Reconstruction Project

In 2000, the Durham County Courthouse reconstruction project was given to the architectural firm of O’Brien/Atkins as part of the County’s Facility Master Plan. Although the original structure required immediate replacement, inadequate funding put the project on hold until 2007.

In an attempt to consolidate numerous justice-related departments in the county, a dozen or so divisions were chosen to be housed within the facility. The Justice Building is located in the historic heart of Downtown Durham and evokes the county’s strong commitment to justice. Standing 11-stories high, the structure serves as a beacon for the community.

The exterior of the building is clad in architectural precast concrete with a brick veneer, curtain wall, aluminum composite panels and natural stone finishes.

Fabricators at Eastern Construction Services, Inc. utilized ALPOLIC aluminum composite panels on several exterior features of the Justice Building including the cornice, wall panels and windows. Due to the enormous and elaborate design of the exterior cornice, specialized equipment was required. ECS commended ALPOLIC on the material’s light weight, as well as the availability of the product which no other aluminum composite manufacturer possessed.

The interior features sustainable-harvested wood that helped the building achieve its LEED Gold certification. Its other sustainable features include,

“…a green roof, an energy efficient lighting sensor system, a rain water collection cistern tank system, the use of regional materials, an energy efficient HVAC system, water-efficient landscaping and plumbing fixtures, priority parking for fuel efficient vehicles…”

The achievement of LEED Gold showcases this community’s commitment to a sustainable future.

images courtesy of © ESC
information courtesy of © ESC and Construction Today, Whiting-Turner