A Timeless Jewel, yet Fiscally Responsible
Trempealeau County Justice Center’s new two-story facility features modern workspaces and courthouses on the top level and a 78-bed jail organized in an effective modular format on the lower level. The 118,000-square-foot, larger, flexible floorplan upgraded security and technological efficiencies also alleviate previous costs and concerns associated with former jail’s age and limited size. The new justice center provides immediate and future space for the dispatch department, jail, courtrooms, judge’s chambers, and offices for the sheriff, clerk of court, child support and district attorney.³
Venture Architects described the Trempealeau County Justice Center’s new design as “a breathtaking timeless jewel – appropriately conservative for this rural county and is fiscally responsible to the community.” ²
“Security is the top priority,” emphasized County officials. “We have addressed this by completely separating citizens, staff and inmates. The courtroom is the only place where the three come together.” ⁴
County employees and officials also commented on the need for the outdoor views, natural light and attractive, resilient ceilings in the new justice facility. The former dispatch center had windows, but their blinds remained closed to avoid glare on the screens and monitors. In the dispatch center, offices, hallways, courtroom and jury room, the old ceiling tiles’ fissured surfaces were called-out as dated and in disrepair.⁵
Contributing to a bright, modern workplace, Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling systems optimize available daylight throughout the new Trempealeau County Justice Center. The ceiling panels’ white surface reflects up to 85 percent of light. The diffused illumination reduces glare on screens and monitors, which contributes to the staff’s comfort, concentration and productivity.
“Natural light was foundational to the design to create a space that is pleasant for all users and to facilitate better outcomes,” acknowledged County officials.⁴
Overall visual and acoustic comfort further enhance an effective, efficient workplace. For best-level sound-absorption, Venture Architects specified Rockfon Sonar panels. These stone wool acoustic ceiling tiles deliver a high 0.95 Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) to lower noise levels and reverberation time. This supports speech privacy and confidentiality, and improves speech intelligibility for clear communication. These qualities are especially in critical, life-saving situations managed by the 911 dispatch team and other departments within Trempealeau County Justice Center.
Safe, healthy interiors are important for all occupants. Rockfon stone wool ceiling panels are UL® GREENGUARD® Gold Certified for low VOCs, a recognized attribute for indoor air quality. Stone wool also is inherently moisture resistant and does not support harmful microorganisms, like mold and bacteria.
Rockfon ceiling systems’ material properties also minimize maintenance. They are simple to clean and are easily removed to access the plenum for future renovations and upgrades. Reducing labor and material costs respects the County’s bottom-line and taxpayers’ investment in their community.
