Designed to withstand the heavy Mammoth snows as well as a large earthquake, this much-needed courthouse was completed under budget and on schedule despite strict building guidelines. Customized Solution

• With two full courtrooms, a hearing room, administrative offices, and additional counters to serve the public, the completion of this new structure will improve access and services to the community.
• Perhaps the greatest challenge of this project was the interaction between engineering for seismic activity and snow, as the building needed to withstand both, potentially at once. With the addition of a window wall framed with architecturally exposed steel in the lobby, this was no simple task. Therefore, the roof is designed to withstand 400 lbs. per s.f. of snow—a massive weight. The steel-framed main building and garage are equipped with buckling restrained braced frame walls for seismic strength.
• The project team was able to navigate the local and AOC construction guidelines, and successfully design for both. The project was completed under budget and on schedule.

• Architect: Mark Cavagnero Associates
• Owner: Judicial Council of California, Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)
• Steel framed with buckling restrained braced framed walls serving as lateral load protecting system.