Merced Courthouse

Built to replace several inadequate and outdated buildings and portables, the new 2-story courthouse contains 6 new courtrooms, holdings cells, and jury assembly rooms. A sublevel secure corridor provides inmate transfer through secure elevators.

Two large central variable-volume packaged rooftop air handling units serve the building. The distribution was optimized given the available space constraints and significant acoustical requirements. Energy efficiency was optimized with the building façade design, HVAC equipment selection, and low-velocity distribution. Thermal zones were carefully coordinated to maximize comfort levels.