Union County Family Court House

Netta Architects was presented with a tight urban site and a complex design program with multiple layers of security.

The architects designed a 4–story building with a public-friendly environment that appropriately accommodates and separates the public, families with adults and children, employees, judges, attorneys, and detainees.

The first level includes a welcoming reception space as the entrance that is accessible through a covered courtyard. This leads to upper level waiting areas with extensive glass and views to the outdoors overlooking the city.

The three floors above consist of two courtrooms each with a multitude of accompanying rooms. Each floor includes waiting areas, judges chambers, meeting and meditation rooms, staff offices, and attorney facilities. Amenities in the building include a cafeteria and childcare center. Part of the building now consists of new office space with a separate entrance for the Union County Improvement Authority.

The design team selected sustainable building systems and materials, limestone, terrazzo tile and low-E glass that will withstand heavy use and permit USGBC LEED® Certification.