The new advanced forensic center for Harris County offers two distinct forensic services for the Harris County community: the Medical Examiner Service and the Crime Laboratory Service. The architect was tasked with designing a nine story, 210,000 sq. ft. tower to house a laboratory, morgue, administrative office, and teaching/training space to meet the pressing needs for the county’s mortality surveillance, track violent and drug-related deaths, and be vigilant for emerging infectious diseases. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. was contracted to supply and install the following masonry components of the new building:
- 20,000 sq. ft. Lightweight CMU
- 2,000 sq. ft. AstraGlaze Architectural CMU
- 3,000 sq. ft. Ground Face Architectural CMU
- 59,000 sq. ft. Slate Gray Modular Brick
- 25,000 sq. ft. Ridgemar Modular Brick, including custom shaped 157.5° corners
Some of the distinctive requirements of this project were the engineered nine story tubular welded frame scaffolding system that was built over cantilevered structural concrete awning, the unique 157.5° angle corner accommodation, and the required distribution from north and south elevations to supply tight east side. In addition, an aggressive installation schedule required close coordination with other trades.
