Following a comprehensive assessment of courthouse allocation in California, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), a staff agency of the Judicial Council of California, set in place a strategy to provide consistency of service and quality of facility throughout the state.  In this, Nevada City, California was targeted as one location in need.

Set in the northern woods area just outside of Nevada City provided the space and flexibility necessary to accommodate the sensitivities needed in holding a safe and secure courthouse environment.  The design settles in these woods, and is approached, filtered through the trees.  The natural surroundings are the base of materials with wood and stone, while glass helps in the dynamic form and creates a softer reflective quality to the progressive architecture.

​

* Work completed while at HMC Architects