The 1890s historic courthouse, expanded in the 1960s, 70s, and 90s as well a full renovation in the 90s, was served by a combination of systems which were reaching end-of-life. To better serve the needs of the staff and community, the County recognized the need to modernize and streamline the facility through a complete renovation and expansion, including the update of the HVAC systems with a single, more efficient, system.
2RW provided MEP/FP engineering and coordinated with historic building regulations to integrate modern and efficient systems for this and renovation and expansion project. The project features a general district courtroom, a juvenile and domestic relations courtroom, staff and deputy clerk offices, archival records room, holding cells, and jury assembly room.
Project goals for the courthouse facility include maintenance-friendly MEP/FP systems and quiet and discreet indoor air quality systems that don’t interfere with acoustics in the courtrooms. To meet security requirements in the holding cells, the design includes anti-ligature systems to eliminate exposure of plumbing, lighting, fire sprinkler, or exhaust systems.
To preserve and conserve archival documents, the records room meets the requirements for humidity and temperature control and uses FM200 clean agent fire suppression system. This system utilizes gas to extinguish fire in 10 seconds or less and eliminates water damage that can be caused by traditional sprinkler systems.
System Highlights
HVAC
Electrical
Plumbing
Fire Protection
The updates improve the building’s maintenance, efficiency, and security and provide better space for archival records while retaining the courthouse’s historic features.
OWNER: Southampton County
TIMEFRAME: 2020 – 2024
SIZE: 40,000 SF
COST: $15.9 million