Charleston County Detention Center

Additional Info

Award Winner : Vanguard Modular Building Systems, LLC

Architectural Excellence : Due to severe overcrowding, Charleston County Detention Center needed additional, secure bed space quickly. In addition, the available site was constrained by existing site conditions: a fence at the property line on the North end of the site, an existing structure on the South, a fence and roadway on the East and by another preexisting structure on the West. This made access very difficult. In order to the use the site, public utilizes also needed to be relocated. After consideration, a single story structure comprised of 16 modular units was designed to fit the available space.

This building is furnished with 128 beds with property storage, surrounding 2 open areas with bathrooms and 2 multi-purpose rooms. There is a visitor’s room and a holding cell next to a recreation room on each end of the building. This new structure is connected to an existing structure with a covered, fenced walkway and Sally ports.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Most of the features incorporated for the purpose of security also contribute to cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. This would include the use of skylights, not only for security but to allow for the use of natural light. The electronic lighting controls permits pre-determined settings for daily use.

Pre-fab aluminum ramps were used and this project was completed just a few days over six months.

Occupied Date : 12/20/2007

Production Start Date : 6/4/2007

Project Location City : Charleston

Project Location State Name : SC

Technical Innovation : The building was designed with no windows for security purposes but still obtained natural light with the use of skylights. The facility has a backup generator capable of supplying all electrical needs for 3 days without refueling. Connection to the existing central Security System was provided along with key features being controlled via a touch pad PC by the Block Officer. Also incorporated were CCTV, PA/Intercom, IRT Man down, Electronic door controls, electronic lighting controls and Video Visitation. An efficient smoke exhaust system was also installed.

Total Square Feet : 16660