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DRC approves Nichiha fiber‑cement panels for Teton County Justice Center over one dissent
Summary
The Design Review Committee approved fiber‑cement panels that mimic wood for the Teton County Justice Center exterior (P25‑183180), 4–1, after designers showed installed examples and commissioners debated durability and authenticity.
The Design Review Committee voted 4–1 on June 10 to approve fiber‑cement exterior cladding that replicates a wood appearance for the Teton County Justice Center (P25‑183180).
Tyler Valentine, town planning staff, summarized the committee’s prior condition requiring a lighter wood color and more variation to match the project renderings and introduced project representatives. Stefan Hall of Andersen and Yale told the committee the panels are 18 inches wide and are arranged to read as 6‑inch vertical planks; he said the product “mimics wood and a wood look, very cleanly.” The team identified the manufacturer used as Nichiha and showed photographs of a similar installation at Rally Flats in Boulder.
The committee’s questions focused on where the material would be applied (soffits and siding), panel terminations and fasteners, real‑world tone in sunlight, and expected long‑term performance. Staff and the applicants said the product carries an extended warranty (presented as roughly 20 years) and uses concealed fasteners; they told the committee that seeing samples outdoors, in full sun, produced the color and variation that match the renderings.
One commissioner expressed a firm reservation about fiber‑cement in the local climate, saying, “I am no fan of cement fiber board in Jackson, because of our climate and, the problems in detailing of this,” and worried about aging and finish loss. Other members said they had used the product before or found the pictured installation convincing and noted the approved condition on matching the lighter wood tone. After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the proposed fiber‑cement exterior cladding “as presented”; the motion was seconded and passed 4–1.
The committee’s approval covers the material selection as presented; staff said the project will return to the permitting phase with the condition that final shop drawings and installation details demonstrate the terminations, reveals and attachment method conform to the committee’s guidance.
The DRC moved on to its next agenda item. The project team and staff said they will provide a written memo summarizing DRC comments for the project’s next review and permit submittal.
