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AQL Data Centre
Located on the former Yorkshire Chemicals site in the South Bank area of Leeds City Centre, GNA were commissioned to design a new 12,174m² (131,000ft²) six storey data centre building complete with attached one storey backup generator buildings and associated landscaping.
The building takes the form of two solid towers joined by a modern glazed linking element. Zinc cladding is proposed for the elevations, and horizontally, the zinc panels have a varying width and are fixed randomly. Vertically, the building has a clear base, middle and top with strong horizontal bands used to create a sense of architectural order. The random horizontal panels yet a strong vertical order expresses binary code - externalising the key function of the building.
As the zinc weathers, the building will take the form of crafted metal towers, which will be fitting, as the site is located in an area of the city that has a history of craft and manufacture. Finally, a strong base - smooth black brick with black mortar joints. The masonry helps to convey an image of defensive strength and robustness.
The proposed use of the site means that a large amount of waste heat is generated from the computer equipment and plant housed within the building. We propose to use this waste heat by making it available to existing and future neighbours around the site.
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