Geodesic Data Centers Slash Water, Power Use by 90%

Kaufman & Company, a Los Angeles-based private investment firm led by Daniel Kaufman, has broken ground on two hyperscale data center projects in Utah and Texas, featuring a proprietary geodesic dome design that addresses the industry's biggest challenges: water usage and grid dependency. The dome's curved, column-free interior creates natural convection cooling, reducing the need for traditional chillers, while a hybrid air and direct liquid immersion system cuts water consumption by 90% compared to conventional data centers. Each facility draws up to 90% of its power from behind-the-meter sources—solar in Utah and geothermal in Texas—and can be scaled from 10 to 100 megawatts, with construction timelines as short as 12 months. The green roof collects rainwater for cooling, meeting 90% of each site's needs. The El Paso project spans 24,000 acres of former ranch land, with phase one already secured tenants and plans for up to ten additional domes. Kaufman & Company has partnered with major tech firms including Meta, Google, Oracle, Microsoft, AT&T, Zayo, and Fiberlight, along with institutional lenders, to finance the initiative. Ryan Wallace will lead the data center division, supported by a team including Bruce Brady and Chris Piggott. The company is targeting LEED Platinum certification for these facilities and is exploring expansion into Louisiana, Oklahoma, the Dakotas, and international markets like India, Europe, and Canada.

The geodesic design also uses 30% less structural material than rectangular shells, and the domes blend into the landscape with green roofs, addressing community concerns about aesthetics. Kaufman noted that the dome's shape changed the conversation in Utah, where traditional data centers are seen as blight. This innovative approach not only reduces environmental impact but also accelerates deployment, bypassing multi-year substation queues. The projects mark Kaufman & Company's first use of outside capital, signaling a shift in strategy to meet the massive demand for AI infrastructure. By integrating renewable energy and water-efficient cooling, the company aims to set a new standard for sustainable hyperscale computing.