Secure Data Storage for Science Campus R89 Data Curation Centre

A new building to house the data curation services and 150 staff on the RAL science campus. Serving both the on and off-site science research community, this new 1000sqm facility houses dense computer racking for data storage and retrieval in a highly serviced secure environment on the ground floor, with two floors of offices above.

The 2600sqm offices are designed as a low energy working environment around a central atrium which provides a stack effect for natural ventilation. The whole building is designed for flexibility and allows for future expansion.

Given the sensitivity and importance of the data stored on behalf of clients, the computer room is a solid concrete box with very secure access. The building is located alongside the entrance to the science campus and highly visible. The form of the building is important with a dominant barrel vaulted roof and terracotta wall cladding.