Loudoun County
Leesburg, Virginia

Loudoun County maintained one of the smallest secure juvenile detention facilities in the commonwealth and had the least available detention capacity per 100,000 service area population in the state. We provided a needs assessment study and subsequent design services for the new facility.

The new 38-bed, 35,600-square-foot center provides 11- to 18-year-olds with a secure and uplifting environment, as well as a place of healing. The facility includes three different components: a teen center, youth shelter, and juvenile detention center. As such, it was important to incorporate design features focused on mental and social welfare, as well as rehabilitation. A variety of furniture types and colors were used to create interest and options for the residents. Finish materials and furnishings were selected to create an uplifting environment while also maintaining durability performance and ease of maintenance.

A large design focus was on biophilia, bringing colors and shapes from the exterior environment into the interior environment. Blues, greens and orange tones were incorporated into the building’s finishes and furnishings. Clerestory windows allow the interiors to be brightened with daylight, which helps maintain the occupants’ circadian rhythms.

The county has committed to achieving LEED for New Construction v2009 certification. The facility is pursuing a minimum of Silver certification, with aggressive energy use reduction goals.