Integrated Design Group(ID) completed construction at the North Hall Data Center located at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). Integral to the university’s computing operations, the data center, which contained enterprise computing capabilities and all campus network connections, was fully operational during the project, allowing the university community to access the servers normally and not cause disruption to the institution’s computing.
A major client goal was for the new research data center to become flexible and scalable in order to provide the opportunity for future expansion as needed. Although the existing facility posed significant limitations on interior clearances, restricting both the depth of the raised floor and the overall height within the computer room, ID was able to nearly double the raised floor space by using innovative cooling technology. With updated mechanical and electrical systems, the research data center is now able to support the latest in high performance computing.
By utilizing the 415/240 V AC power distribution system, which is standard in most European and Asian countries, ID was able to implement efficiency gains within the data center, and provide monetary savings for the university. This application offers a significant amount of energy improvement over North America’s standard of 208/120 V. Delivering power to IT loads at 415/240 V instead of 208/120 V eliminates power distribution unit (PDU) transformers. This elimination not only offers energy efficiency gain, but also reduces copper costs and floor loading while freeing up additional space within the data center. +
Related Stories
3D Printing | Dec 7, 2018
Additive manufacturing heads to the jobsite
Prototype mobile 3D printing shop aims to identify additive manufacturing applications for construction jobsites.
Architects | Dec 6, 2018
Payette honored with 2019 AIA Architecture Firm Award
The award recognizes a firm that has consistently produced distinguished architecture for at least 10 years.
Biophilic Design | Nov 19, 2018
Biophilic design: What is it? Why it matters? And how do we use it?
As we continue to move toward the city and spend more time indoors, our day-to-day interaction with quality nature is shrinking. One contemporary concept to reverse this effect is biophilic design, a strategic approach to tap into—and harness—nature in the built environment.
Architects | Nov 6, 2018
Kohn Pedersen Fox opens three new offices
Following exciting current work, new commissions, and upcoming opportunities, global architecture firm embraces the future with new outposts.
Architects | Oct 2, 2018
Gensler, in latest report, highlights where resilient design could make the greatest impact on the built environment
The firm showcases its own recent projects as demonstrations for what can work in six areas.
Architects | Sep 24, 2018
Assembly (and rigorous planning) required: Managing the pros and cons of modular construction
While offering efficiency and flexibility, modular construction requires extensive planning and collaboration to avoid potential challenges.
Architects | Sep 19, 2018
Back it up: Parking lot trends
There are two shifts that we are seeing in parking lot planning and design – and these shifts are rooted in parking’s place at the intersection of environment, transportation, and market behavior.
Architects | Sep 14, 2018
We’ve entered the golden age of brain science. What does it mean for AEC firms?
New research from the SMPS Foundation explores the known principles and most recent research surrounding the human brain and behavioral science. The goal: to discover connections between the science and the AEC business.
Architects | Sep 6, 2018
S/L/A/M Collaborative completes merger with L.A.-based firm
The healthcare sector is one of Frank Webb Architects’ strengths.
Giants 400 | Sep 6, 2018
What's happening at 89 design firms
The latest developments at 89 of the nation's largest architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms.