Design Assistance
Nathan Deal Judicial Center
Nathan Deal Judicial Center
The 7-story, $130 Million Nathan Deal Judicial Center in Atlanta has the distinction of being the first state building in Georgia devoted entirely to the judiciary, as well as the first state-funded design-assist project. The decision to involve GATE Precast in a design-assist capacity was consequential, as it significantly shortened the design and overall delivery of the entire system.
Early design-assist BIM workshops between GATE, Gilbane, Stevens & Wilkinson and Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP were critical to achieving design goals. Architects designed the Nathan Deal Judicial Center in a classical architectural style to mimic the limestone façade of the neighboring George State Capitol.
Precast concrete helped achieve these design goals by cost-effectively complementing the color and textures of the facade.
“Early design-assist workshops enabled the design team to fast-track the precast coordination with the concrete structural frame, shop drawings, fenestration and enclosure of the building. It also allowed the design team to fine-tune wall panel sizes for efficient shipping, crane lift and installation.”
– Bill Clark
Stevens & Wilkinson, Atlanta
Precast concrete was selected as the best way to complement the colors and textures of the existing Capitol Building, as it allowed the elevations to include the traditional details and surface articulations of a stone building without the higher expense of traditional stone.
The acid-etched emulated limestone finish was made with a blend of local materials similar in color to the Capitol. The panel face is also flat, which is characteristic of true Indiana limestone.
“Precast ultimately proved to be very cost-effective, allowed for greater control of color, provided extremely high-quality control due to prefabrication, facilitated quicker building envelope installation times, and the resulting wall assembly provides robust thermal properties resulting in energy cost savings for the state.”
– Bill Clark
Stevens & Wilkinson, Atlanta
Sustainability was another key driver. The precast facade provides an excellent thermal barrier system that significantly exceeds code minimums.
“Working in tandem with high-performance glazing the exterior envelope contributes to lower energy use intensity, lower energy costs, greater occupant comfort and acoustically eliminates road noises from the two adjacent interstates.”
– Bill Clark
Stevens & Wilkinson, Atlanta
Ultimately, the use of precast concrete at Nathan Deal Judicial Center facilitated a durable and attractive restoration.
AWARDS
LOCATION
Atlanta, GA
ARCHITECT
Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP | Stevens & Wilkinson