This proposal, developed as a design-build competition entry in collaboration with Abruña Musgrave Architects and a multidisciplinary team, envisions a new courthouse for the Municipality of Aibonito. Submitted to the Courthouse Administration of Puerto Rico, the project prioritizes sustainability as a core design principle, aiming to minimize environmental impact while reducing energy consumption and operational costs. The building is composed of three primary volumes organized around a central interior patio filled with trees. This shaded courtyard not only anchors the spatial composition but also serves to reduce solar heat gain. A network of bridges and waiting halls connects the volumes, guiding public circulation while adding architectural interest.

Natural ventilation and daylighting strategies are key elements throughout the design. Openings between volumes allow prevailing breezes to flow through circulation areas and waiting halls, supported by strategically placed fenestrations that enhance cross ventilation, especially from the east. Mechanical ventilation systems are reserved solely for core tribunal spaces, deliberately omitting support areas to conserve energy. High-performance double-pane windows with operable features further support this passive strategy. Additional sustainable features include a rainwater harvesting system that supplies non-potable water for toilets, fire protection, maintenance, and irrigation. A landscaped garden of endemic flowers honoring Aibonito’s moniker as “the town of flowers” creates a visual connection between the courthouse and a rehabilitated existing parking structure. Overall, the project aspires to achieve LEED Silver Certification, embodying a forward-thinking approach to civic architecture.