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Steel Curtain Wall System a Landmark for Justice in Butte County
Challenge:
In Chico, California, a new 67,433 square-foot courthouse rises out of the ground
like the picturesque buttes in the area’s surrounding foothills. While its expansive
curtain wall and cupola are central to the landmark building, developing the
distinctive entry first required overcoming several complexities. “Our challenge
wasn’t just getting the geometry right,” explains Windom Kimsey, design principal
and president of TSK Architects. “It was also to create a welcoming space that would
accommodate people waiting for courthouse services. Heat is a factor in Chico, and
we wanted people to be able to wait inside in a comfortable, light-filled setting.”
Solution:
To successfully overcome these challenges, TSK Architects worked with TGP to
design a curtain wall and cupola that was adaptable enough to follow the butte’s tall,
geometrical shape, yet also strong enough to support large free spans of glazing to
flood the entry with daylight. The solution was TGP’s SteelBuilt Curtainwall Infinity™
System. It is approximately three times stronger than traditional aluminum curtain
wall assemblies and can use as a back mullion nearly any type of structural member.
In this instance, the system uses custom, laser welded steel back mullions that were
3 1/8 inches wide by 12 inches deep. Due to steel’s strength, the slender system
is able to support large lites of glass to ensure courthouse visitors receive ample
daylight while waiting inside.
“TGP’s steel curtain wall
system made it possible
for us to meet the project’s
unique geometrical needs
without compromising on
appearance.”
- Windom Kimsey, design principal and
president of TSK Architects
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