Start of construction for the new computing centre on the Hönggerberg

A future-oriented computing centre

The new computing centre will play a central role for the data network and IT supply of the Hönggerberg campus. It will be home to the so-called secondary star node, effectively the "main access point" for the data network on Hönggerberg, so that all internet traffic and the connection between the centre and Hönggerberg will converge at this point. At present, the secondary star node is still housed in a temporary room in which long-term operation cannot be guaranteed.

The HRZ will also house a modern server room for scientific computing, which will enable ETH researchers to operate their servers securely and energy-efficiently in one place and provide a continuous supply of power and cooling.

The HRZ also provides space for the tape storage ("tape robot") on the Hönggerberg, which is currently also only housed in a temporary room. The data from the centre and Hönggerberg is backed up on this storage unit. Together with the second tape storage unit in the centre, this means that there are always two backup copies at two different locations.

Increased energy efficiency

With the new computing centre, ETH Zurich can once again significantly increase its energy efficiency. On the one hand, the consolidation of the IT infrastructures at one location enables more energy-efficient operation and, on the other hand, the building itself is designed for energy efficiency.

The HRZ does not use cooling machines; instead, the server rooms are cooled indirectly with outside air. Heat exchangers are used for this purpose, in which the ambient air meets the exhaust air from the server rooms and heat is exchanged. At high outside temperatures, the outside air is additionally humidified with treated rainwater. This water then evaporates and cools the air. The waste heat from the server rooms can also be utilised further.

The photovoltaic system on the roof will enable the building to generate its own electricity.

A unique building

The new building, designed by Zurich architects Penzel Valier AG, will consist of four interlocking wings, each of which fulfils its own function. One wing will house the servers, another will be used for cooling. Computing centres are subject to constantly changing requirements, which is why a building that can be used as flexibly as possible is being created. This means that the servers can be relocated at a later date without major limitations or the capacity can be expanded as required.                 

ETH Zurich is committed to ecological and sustainable construction. Even though computing centres are generally energy-intensive, the best possible measures are being implemented for the HRZ. In addition to energy-efficient cooling and the photovoltaic system, wood is used for the supporting structure and recycled concrete is used for the facade, which also serves as a CO₂ reservoir thanks to a newly developed process. Animals such as bats and swifts can find space to breed in specially designed areas on the facade. Rammed concrete walls with substrate inlays in the surrounding area will provide habitats for reptiles and amphibians.