The new courthouse will serve families and children in Riverside County with five courtrooms, a self-help center for family law matters, judges’ chambers, and administrative space. The design provides for natural light-filled courtrooms, waiting rooms and public spaces, all within a secure environment. Challenged by the desert climate conditions, the design team carefully evaluated mechanical, electrical and building enclosure systems, and selected new and innovative glass products to help reduce solar heat gain. To achieve new economies and efficiencies within the state courts construction program, the Judicial Council designated this courthouse as a test case for cost reductions to the project budget. CO has designed a striking and well-functioning building that meets all of its programmatic requirements, and it is referenced as a demonstration model for others to follow. It anticipates LEED Silver certification.