Somerset County Detention Center

Additional Info

Award Winner : Wilmot Modular Structures, Inc.

Architectural Excellence : It was extremely important to the County that the new building to be used as a detention center was architecturally similar in both quality and material to their existing facilities. Detention style windows had to be custom fabricated sine the previous window was no longer available. The steel siding and trims also blend with the existing brick structure. The owner required a high level of security even though it was only a low to medium security building. Interior features included stainless steel detention grade plumbing fixtures, level 4 bullet resistant glazing at the guard station, maximum security door hardware, expanded steel mesh under vandal proof walls, and epoxy coated floors, walls and ceilings in the shower area.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : The energy efficient properties include rigid insulation used on the exterior walls and roof. It kept the dew point to the exterior of the building envelope providing less thermal bridging than with use of typical stud filled fiberglass insulation. It facilitated a small reduction in the heating unit size, thereby saving cost and reducing energy use. The County chose to not air condition the building, except at the guard station. Cost reductions were also gained from setting the building with a crane in only 2 days, partnering between the dealer and factory in a way that reduced markups to the customer and providing a building where most work was done off-site thus keeping the security level low throughout the project and saving the county money in guards’ compensations.

Design Firm Name : NRB, Inc.

Occupied Date : 5/12/2008

Production Start Date : 11/19/2007

Project Location City : Westover

Project Location State Name : MD

Technical Innovation : Using NRB’s concrete and steel construction methods, the new modular addition was able to be set closer to the ground matching the exterior elevation of the existing structures on site. A prefabricated connector link with sloped concrete floor was also utilized for a smoother transition between the two facilities. The building incorporated a special detention grade ceiling which had to be adapted for modular construction and mate line finish on site.

Total Square Feet : 5346