100 Word Description: Using the latest virtualization solutions, NetApp’s Global Dynamic Laboratory-2 delivers a private cloud environment providing virtual access for NetApp labs around the world. The building’s three essential functions: data processing, equipment cooling, and facility support, are articulated through massing and choice of materials. 70% of the year equipment is cooled by outside air ventilation, which is expressed in the second story façade of automated operable polycarbonate windows. The secure server environment is expressed in the first floor’s continuous metal panel façade, and the occupied support space is expressed in the single-story fully-glazed office environment: all assembled into one elegant design solution.
Architect’s Statement: NetApp’s Global Dynamic Laboratory-2 will leverage the latest virtualization solutions to build a private cloud environment and provide virtual access for NetApp engineering labs around the world. With thoughtful massing and articulation, the creative and elegant building solution addresses the key spatial relationship between servers and the equipment used to cool them. Energy usage is expected to be at least 40% less than a typical data center; LEED® Silver Certification is being sought. At 154,700 sf, it houses a 46,000 sf laboratory, which itself houses 2,232 12kW equipment racks for a total power density of 580 watts/sf. The design challenge was to look for every possible opportunity to save energy while creating a visually stunning facility. A simple yet effective solution came from reevaluating the spatial relationship between the computer servers and the air handling equipment used to cool them. A typical data center is a one story structure that places servers and cooling equipment at opposite ends of the space. This layout typically forces conditioned air through a floor plenum at a velocity that will allow it to flow up into the server space. The design solution for this project places the air handlers directly above the servers allowing cool air to naturally drop into “cold aisles” at the front of the servers where it is drawn through the racks into hot aisles which allow it to rise up and out of the space. This process allows for outside air to be the sole cooling medium for 70% of the year. NetApp expects to realize greater than a 40% reduction in energy use when compared to a typical data center and is registered for LEED® Silver Certification. To facilitate the 5.6 million CFM of air flow, a dynamic louvered façade of standard steel joists and multiwall polycarbonate was designed. The polycarbonate material was not only chosen for its cost, strength, and weight, but its ability to reflect and refract light and enliven the façade. It is the use of these different materials and the simple articulation of the various program elements that create an elegant design solution for this innovative facility.
Type of Construction: Steel structure with a polycarbonate and aluminum panel façade. Overhead coiling doors will act as dampers behind the louvered polycarbonate. The office space will have an aluminum curtain wall façade with high performance glazing. Photovoltaic panels will provide power for the office space.
