Architecture News

Penzel Valier has meticulously crafted the Hönggerberg Data Center (HRZ) for ETH Zurich, a facility that seamlessly merges structural integrity, advanced building services, and contemporary design. This innovative infrastructure project is a cornerstone for the university's digital ecosystem, consolidating server, storage, and communication systems previously housed in disparate, aging locations. Encompassing an area of 4488 square meters and completed in 2026, the HRZ is not merely a replacement but a strategic investment designed to accommodate future technological growth and reinforce ETH Zurich's long-term digital vision.

The new data center, conceived by Penzel Valier, stands as a testament to integrated architectural planning. Every element, from its robust concrete construction to its intricate internal systems, was developed with a unified purpose. This collaborative design process ensured that the building's aesthetic and functional aspects were perfectly aligned, creating an efficient and resilient home for ETH Zurich's vital IT operations. The decision to construct such a dedicated facility reflects the growing demand for secure and scalable digital infrastructure within leading academic institutions.

Strategically located, the Hönggerberg Data Center plays a pivotal role in ETH Zurich's overarching digital strategy, complementing the existing central campus data centers. Its construction addresses the critical need to modernize and centralize the university's IT services, moving away from fragmented infrastructure to a consolidated, high-performance environment. This modernization enhances operational efficiency, reduces maintenance complexities, and provides a stable foundation for cutting-edge research and education that relies heavily on computational power and data storage.

Beyond its immediate functionality, the data center's design incorporates provisions for future expansion. This forward-thinking approach ensures that as technology evolves and the university's data needs grow, the HRZ can adapt and scale without requiring extensive overhauls. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining ETH Zurich's position at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, where data-intensive processes are continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

The Hönggerberg Data Center by Penzel Valier represents a significant leap forward in supporting the advanced digital requirements of ETH Zurich. Its comprehensive design, large capacity, and forward-looking scalability address immediate infrastructural needs while paving the way for future technological advancements, ensuring a robust and reliable digital backbone for the university's continued success.

Reimagining the Coastline: A New Era for Comillas

Transforming the Coastal Edge: From Pavement to Public Realm

The intervention fundamentally redefines a section of the Comillas coastline. What was once dominated by a constricted footpath and an extensive vehicle parking zone has been meticulously reshaped into an expansive and inviting public square. This deliberate design choice moves beyond a mere renovation of existing infrastructure, instead pioneering a fresh coastal environment. It effectively reclaims an exceptional stretch of the shore, dedicating it to foot traffic and seamlessly weaving it into the municipality's network of communal areas.