Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Architects, use precast concrete extensively in many of their projects.

This elegant courthouse design contained numerous intricate patterns. However, the simple design allowed for the repetition of similar units. Most forms were used for 12 to 16 castings. The designs were created in precast with complex fiberglass and latex-rubber formwork.

The precast exterior replicated natural stonework. The concrete mix colour with its acid etch finish simulated Indiana limestone. The use of real stone would have been prohibitive and slow, due to the high cost and a lack of experienced stone masons.

OWNER: State of West Virginia
ARCHITECT/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, New York, NY
CONTRACTOR: Dick Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA
PRECAST SUPPLIER: Modern Mosaic, Niagara Falls, ON