Fitting in with the green environment: ZRH21 data centre
A data centre that does not look like one - that's ZRH21, a two-storey building with a 24MW IT load in Glattfelden, Switzerland. Here is how we supported our client throughout the entire process.
Project facts
- LocationGlattfelden, Switzerland
- Date2021-2024
- ChallengeGuide the client through the entire process of realising a large data centre – from design to delivery. Provide solutions for risks of flooding and landslides and reduce noise as much as possible. Guarantee a design that seamlessly blends into the picturesque Swiss environment and preserves existing biodiversity.
- SolutionWe supported our client throughout the entire process. The exterior incorporates as much greenery and wood-lookalike materials as possible, and all infrastructure is strategically located to allow for phased delivery. We ensured safety through thorough studies and by onboarding necessary local consultants for key disciplines. Creation of a network of internal and external stakeholders was key to the success of this data centre.
Data centres are becoming more sustainable and sophisticated. This allows them to better adapt to their surroundings. In the case of ZRH21, this is essential because this state-of-the-art data centre is located near a village with a hotel right next to a river stream. It was therefore important that the building produced as little noise as possible and that its appearance blended seamlessly with its green surroundings.
With this project, Royal HaskoningDHV builds upon a strong customer relation. After a successful collaboration on previous projects, we were asked to work together yet again. Switzerland is familiar territory for us, but this is only our client's second project in the country. We have therefore supported our client throughout the project from our local office in Switzerland, from design to delivery. The scope of our work has gradually expanded to include the coordination of critical technical studies, construction administration and executing point cloud scans and reality capture technologies to monitor construction progress even remotely.
With this project, Royal HaskoningDHV builds upon a strong customer relation. After a successful collaboration on previous projects, we were asked to work together yet again. Switzerland is familiar territory for us, but this is only our client's second project in the country. We have therefore supported our client throughout the project from our local office in Switzerland, from design to delivery. The scope of our work has gradually expanded to include the coordination of critical technical studies, construction administration and executing point cloud scans and reality capture technologies to monitor construction progress even remotely.
A smart design
Spread over two floors, the ZRH21 data centre covers 21,000 square metres. It has a capacity of 24 MW, divided into three blocks of 8 MW each. Each 8MW critical power system is comprised of 5 electrical subsystems in a N+1 topology.While the interior of this building is dedicated to its IT load, the fact that it is a data centre must not be apparent from the outside. We therefore worked with our client in the design process, which resulted in a wooden timber-looking construction, a green roof, a flower garden, clever positioning of MEP equipment, and many elements that preserve biodiversity.
Beneath this outer layer lies a clever structure that makes the data centre highly scalable. All infrastructure such as generators, MV kiosks and LV Switchgears are strategically located to allow the building to be constructed in phases. The data centre combines air-source and water-source heat pumps to reuse waste heat for administration and neighbouring buildings.
The building is scoped to facilitate 17 air cooled chillers on the roof in a N+2 arrangement. Liquid cooling is a sustainable closed-loop system that allows water to be reused for long periods of time. The large air conditioner considers the actual outside temperature, resulting in lower power consumption at night when the outside temperature drops. This also reduces noise. These exterior and interior measures contribute to SDG 3: Good health and well-being.
This project is a textbook example of how a synchronised collective effort, precision and courageous decisions can lead to a valuable outcome.
De-risking and going the extra mile
We ensured safety through thorough studies and the expertise of local consultants to address the site’s conditions regarding flooding and landslides. We provided the building with good water drainage through a resilient drainage system and paid attention to surface run-off.In terms of fire safety, we went the extra mile to achieve the highest fire safety standards, using our expertise from previous data centre projects. ZRH21 has a fully functional building management system with first class security features, giving our client total control of this data centre. The security system protects information that is stored, accessed, or processed within the site. We have also prepared site users to monitor, respond to and communicate any physical security issues.
