A world leading computational science, engineering and high performance computing facility.

The requirement of the brief was for the new building to meet current industry standards and the design to achieve an excellent benchmark for sustainable computer centres and office developments comparable with others elsewhere in the UK and Europe.

During the stage C submissions, it became clear that the budget fell well short of the brief requirements. With the help of value engineering workshops, a design solution was developed to meet the proposed budget.

The development consists of 1000sqm of computer area divided into two halls, 3100sqm of research and office area occupying three floors, internal plant area of 1200sqm and external chiller plant of 5000sqm. For security reasons, the building can only be reached after entry to the Daresbury campus and due to the importance of the data stored, the computer area is protected by heavy masonry walls.

• Secure building designed to accommodate a top level computer facility
• Supporting matching research facilities
• Closely controlled environment for computer hall