When Europe's most powerful supercomputer needed a façade solution to match its innovative modular design, DucoWall Screening 70 delivered the perfect combination of performance, flexibility and speed. The JUPITER modular data centre in Jülich houses computing power exceeding 1 ExaFlop/s – and required a louvre system that could be installed rapidly whilst providing optimal airflow and architectural integration.
DucoWall Screening 70 at JUPITER Supercomputer Centre: High-Performance Façade for Europe's Most Powerful Data Centre
When Forschungszentrum Jülich set out to build JUPITER, Europe's first supercomputer capable of exceeding 1 ExaFlop/s, they needed more than just cutting-edge computing technology. The modular data centre (MDC) housing this computational powerhouse required a façade solution that could match its innovative approach: flexible, efficient, and built for performance.
The challenge
The JUPITER MDC in Jülich, Germany, spans over 2,300 square metres and consists of approximately 50 container modules. The facility needed a louvre-wall system that could provide optimal airflow for cooling whilst maintaining security and aesthetic appeal. The modular nature of the project demanded a façade solution that could be installed quickly, adapt to the building's layout, and integrate seamlessly with doors, gates, and technical openings.
The solution
DucoWall Screening 70 proved the ideal match for this high-tech environment. The system's extruded aluminium profiles (Al Mg 0.7 Si) were supplied in 6-metre lengths and fastened directly to the steel substructure using 40/21 double retaining profiles. With a maximum span of 2,400 mm between support profiles, the installation required fewer structural elements, contributing to both cost and time savings.
The 75 mm louvre-blade pitch was selected to provide an optimal balance between airflow and visual screening – essential for a facility housing sensitive supercomputing equipment. The entire façade was powder-coated in RAL 9005 Structure, giving the building a sleek, professional appearance befitting Europe's most powerful computing facility.
Key benefits
"What impressed the client most was the flexibility," adds Verstappen. "Whether it was creating openings for cables and pipes or integrating door and gate systems, the DucoWall Screening 70 handled every requirement without custom engineering. That's the kind of adaptability you need in a modular data centre environment."
The result
The JUPITER MDC now features a complete louvre-wall façade that supports the facility's cooling requirements whilst providing a unified architectural appearance.
For Forschungszentrum Jülich and the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking, the modular data centre represents a new approach to housing supercomputing infrastructure – one that reduces construction time and operating costs whilst maintaining flexibility for future upgrades. The DucoWall Screening 70 façade system has proven itself a fitting complement to this forward-thinking project.
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