This article describes the architecture, design and the experience learned in the implementation of a private cloud with OpenStack technology at the Center for High Performance Computing (CECAD) of the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. The article focuses on how the architecture and design guides were adapted to the infrastructure of the data center, the major design decisions to deploy intensive computing services on this infraestructure, and share with the academic community the lessons learned in the design, implementation, operation and management processes.