This new courthouse is the most significant civic building to be constructed in Woodland in nearly a century.
Consolidating seven court locations throughout the county into one central building, the Yolo County courthouse offers significant improvements in operations for court staff as well as better security for the general public. The building contains 14 courtrooms, a jury assembly, and state-of-the-art administrative and judicial offices.
The design features a curved façade with a four-column portico at the entrance recalling the historic Yolo County Courthouse. The entrance’s iconic civic look features grand pillars surrounded by modern glass. Light wells bring natural light into the entry hall, which is adorned with towering windows to create a transparent and welcoming atmosphere for open assembly. The exterior features a granite base, with a precast façade inspired by the Sierra White granite found in the region. The new building meets all of the current seismic and safety requirements, relieves overcrowding issues, and provides for future expansion.
Award-Winning Design
- Significant Project Achievement Award, New Buildings Western Council of Construction Consumers, 2016
- Justice Facilities Review, AIA Committee on Architecture for Justice, 2018
- Award of Excellence (New Construction), Structural Engineers Association of California, 2017
USGBC LEED Silver-Certified
Sustainable design strategies include:
- Building orientation improves passive thermal properties and allows it to take advantage of natural light
- Main public corridor and secured corridor provide additional thermal buffers to the occupied spaces
- Abundant, carefully regulated natural light provides much of daytime lighting
- All building systems are controlled by a centralized building automation system that includes optimal start and stop routines
- Sunshades are employed on exterior south facades
- Water-saving strategies include a native low-water use landscape, areas for stormwater filtering, and low-flow restroom fixtures.
- Granite cladding and architectural precast concrete were sourced and produced within 500 miles of project site with functional lifetimes of 50 to 75 years
- More than 75 percent construction waste diverted from landfill
