Situated kitty-corner from the federal courthouse in Austin, the program for the district courthouse featured a large amount of office space as well as twelve large courtrooms. Comprised into a tower that steps down into the busy streetscape, the courtrooms are located on the upper levels, while staff enjoy expanding terraces below.

The exterior facade consists of a double-skin comprised of an internal steel structure, IGU’s, ETFE panels and a Diagrid with an external Scrim Panel for shading from the southwest. Internally the need for three separate paths (public, judges, and the accused) creates complex routes while still maintaining views to downtown Austin throughout.

Location: Austin, Texas

Size: 250,000 sf

Medium: Architecture

Role: Designer

Completed as part of Comprehensive Studio at the University of Kansas