The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) forms a unique partnership between basic and clinical research, with the aim of understanding the cellular basis of disease.
Their research vision is to invest in world-class research facilities to create a collaborative environment and support the work of outstanding scientists who are then empowered to excel and make discoveries about cellular processes.
Further to an initial feasibility study, it was decided that due to the inefficiency of the existing server room and escalating running costs, the University of Cambridge’s medical research department required a ‘fit for purpose’ energy-efficient server room.
After a successful tendering period, we were appointed as the principal contractor at the CIMR site for the flexibility of the server room design and the energy-efficient modular solution.
Within 14 weeks on site, we completed the transformation of a redundant chemical store into a state-of-the-art server room, with a PUE of 1.20.
Due to the poor condition of the existing facility and the need to transfer the kit to the new server room as quickly as possible, we were tasked with adhering to a tight programme.
Originally created as four separate rooms used for storing chemicals, the space needed to be transformed into a single open room. This meant the dividing walls would need to be removed, an action that would lead to concerns regarding supporting the existing antiquated roof. Subsequent structural surveys were necessary in order to safely commence the project.
Working in a live hospital posed expected problems as aside from noise pollution, difficulties arose surrounding organising deliveries and accessing the site. This problem was most palpable when managing the delivery of the 1MW generator. In addition, the length, run and difficulty of the cross-site cables posed a risk of disrupting work, and precision planning was vital. Space was also limited, which precluded several free-cooling options.
Regular client progress meetings were held to allow flexibility and ensure the project was delivered on time.
The programme of works is detailed below:
› A full time site manager and project manager dedicated to site;
› Health and Safety, CDM compliance;
› Strip out and building including the demolition of internal walls to convert into one room and new steel structural roof supports;
› Installation of close control down flow cooling units to provide N+1 redundancy;
› Modular expandable N+1 UPS system;
› IT infrastructure and cold aisle containment;
› Environmental monitoring system (EMS) with remote alerting via 2bm iMeter;
› New heavy duty raised floor with volume controlled grilles;
› Fully redundant dual rack A&B power feeds sized to 10kW;
› Full IT and research facility generator power
› Protection1mW;
› New structured and cross site links cabling;
› Double knock fire detection and suppression with zero ozone depleting gas;
› Early Warning Highly sensitive smoke detection (VESDA system);
› Full specialist data centre clean;
› Full simulated load IST testing and commissioning;
› Facility training and O&M manuals handover.
“From beginning to end the team impressed us with their professional approach and flexibility, particularly when unplanned and unexpected changes to the project occurred. The room has been operating at high load from completion and is performing exactly as specified.
We are extremely happy with the results of 2bm’s work. They transformed an empty brick chemical store into a state-of-the-art server room, and worked very hard to deliver exactly what we wanted.”
