Covilhã Data Center a Model for Green Architecture

João Luís Carrilho da Graça's Architectural Vision

In the picturesque city of Covilhã, Portugal, the Covilhã Data Center, designed by renowned architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, exemplifies sustainable architecture in an industrial context. This state-of-the-art facility seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, emphasizing sustainability through advanced building materials and technologies. As a critical component of Altice Portugal's data network, the center sets new standards in green construction while maintaining high performance and reliability. The building maximizes natural light, incorporates green spaces, and uses innovative products, demonstrating how large-scale infrastructure can harmonize with nature.

The Covilhã Data Center plays a crucial role in Altice Portugal's network, providing reliable infrastructure for digital services. Certified as a Tier III data center, it ensures high availability and redundancy, crucial for uninterrupted operations. By integrating sustainable design principles and advanced technologies, the center not only meets but exceeds modern performance demands while reducing its environmental footprint.

Sustainable Building Materials and Principles

The Data Center in Covilhã stands out for its commitment to sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative technologies.

Local Materials Harmonize with the Natural Landscape

The center integrates seamlessly with the natural environment by using local materials such as slate from Cova da Beira, which ensures aesthetic harmony with the landscape, supports local industries, and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.

Using locally sourced slate significantly reduces transportation emissions and lowers the construction's carbon footprint. This practice supports regional economies and promotes the use of indigenous resources. 

 

Tapping into Renewable Energy 

Photovoltaic Systems

These systems harness solar energy to power the facility, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Air-Free Cooling Technology

This innovative technology helps maintain optimal temperatures within the data center while minimizing energy consumption. The use of such advanced cooling methods contributes to the facility's impressive Energy Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25, indicating high energy efficiency and operational sustainability. 

Embracing Biophilic Materials 

The use of biophilic design principles supports the project's integration into the natural environment. By using materials that promote a harmonious relationship with nature, the facility exemplifies how modern architecture can integrate natural elements to create healthier and more sustainable buildings.

Diathonite Insulating Plaster

Diathonite is a revolutionary thermal insulating plaster made from natural materials, including cork, clay, and diatomaceous earth. This combination results in a lightweight, highly efficient insulation material ideal for application to  residential, commercial and industrial buildings.  

Benefits: The natural composition of Diathonite Evolution provides excellent thermal insulation, breathability, and sustainability. It improves the energy efficiency of the building's envelope, helping to maintain a stable internal climate while reducing energy consumption. 

Application: This plaster is used extensively throughout the Data Center to enhance insulation and reduce energy consumption. By integrating Diathonite Evolution, the building achieves superior thermal performance and contributes to overall sustainability, reflecting the architect's commitment to eco-friendly design.

Decork Thermal Cork Paint

Decork Facade is a decorative cork-based coating that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal fromlated with renewable resources.

Benefits: This innovative coating offers thermal insulation, sound absorption, and a unique aesthetic. Its properties make it both a practical and visually appealing choice, enhancing the building's energy efficiency and acoustic comfort. 

Application: Applied to the façade, Decork Façade improves the Data Center’s sustainability by providing additional insulation and reducing noise pollution. The material also contributes to the building’s distinctive look, aligning with João Luís Carrilho da Graça's vision of integrating natural elements into architectural design.

The Impact of Sustainable Design

Cost Savings and Reduced Maintenance

The use of energy-efficient materials and technologies, such as Diathonite Evolution and Decork Facade, significantly reduces operational overhead by enhancing the building's insulation, leading to lower heating and cooling expenses. Additionally, the use of durable, low-maintenance materials decreases the need for frequent repairs and replacements, further saving costs in the long run.

Long-term Financial Benefits

Investing in sustainable materials results in long-term financial gains. Local slate from Cova da Beira not only supports the regional economy but also provides a cost-effective solution due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Supporting Local Economies

By sourcing materials locally, the project boosts the regional economy, providing jobs and supporting local industries. Diathonite and Decork products are both formulated with cork from Portugal as one of the key elements. Cork harvesters, who are among the highest-paid agricultural workers, directly benefit from this practice. 

Local materials reduce transportation costs and emissions, making the process both economically and environmentally beneficial. This approach supports sustainability while fostering economic growth in the region.

Environmental Benefits of Green Architecture

Reduction in Carbon Footprint and Environmental Impact

The integration of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic systems, significantly lowers the data center's carbon footprint. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly materials and advanced cooling technologies further reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 

Decrease in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Utilizing renewable energy and efficient insulation materials helps minimize the emission of greenhouse gasses. The design’s emphasis on natural light and advanced cooling systems also contributes to lower energy consumption and reduced emissions. 

Preservation of Local Biodiversity through Thoughtful Design

Incorporating green spaces and the selecting materials that blend with the natural landscape help preserve local biodiversity. This approach ensures that the construction and operation of the data center minimizes the disruption to the local ecosystem.

 

The Future Sustainable Practices in Large Scale Projects

The Covilhã Data Center sets a new standard for sustainability in the tech industry, offering valuable insights for future projects. 

Precedent for Future Projects

The design and execution of the Covilhã Data Center serve as a model for other large-scale infrastructure projects, providing a model for the successful integration of sustainable practices and the feasibility and benefits of eco-friendly architecture.

Emerging Technologies in Sustainable Building

The project embraces the potential of emerging technologies, such as advanced cooling systems and innovative insulation materials. These technologies not only enhance energy efficiency but also promote sustainability on a larger scale.

Importance of Sustainability in Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

As global awareness of environmental issues increases, the importance of sustainability in infrastructure projects becomes more pronounced. The Covilhã Data Center exemplifies how sustainable practices can be effectively integrated into large-scale projects to achieve both environmental and economic benefits. 

Lessons Learned

The Covilhã Data Center stands as a testament to sustainable building practices in modern industrial architecture. By integrating advanced materials and technologies, da Graça demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure can harmonize with nature while achieving high performance and reliability. As we look to the future, the lessons learned from this innovative project will continue to inspire and guide sustainable architecture.

Consider incorporating sustainable options in your own projects to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.