Project Brief
A single-storey expansion of a 302 sq m data centre, to house additional servers and equipment for a major UK telecommunications provider. The building has been designed to support high plant loadings with scope to accommodate a second storey, 604 sq m extension in the future. Adept was responsible for the design of both the substructure and superstructure, ensuring integration with the existing building, alongside modifications to drainage systems and external finishes.
Solution
Our solution required a detailed and coordinated design process to address the complex challenges presented by the existing infrastructure.
One of the primary issues was the need to reroute and prop the existing fibre optic cables to enable the safe installation of the extension without disrupting critical operations. We worked closely across the design team and with third party contractors to ensure the cables were rerouted efficiently without interruption to 24/7 data centre operations.
Our design fully meets the client’s brief for flexibility and incorporates provisions for the addition of a second storey. This required detailed calculations to ensure the new extension could handle the high plant loadings associated with the servers and associated equipment, and careful planning to avoid interference with existing structural elements and services.
Drainage was updated to meet the increased demands of the extension. We also ensured that the external finishes aligned with the original building’s aesthetic and functional requirements.
Throughout the process, Adept’s team maintained a collaborative approach with the client, design team and contractors, ensuring seamless integration of the new extension into the existing data centre without disruption to critical operations.
Due to the nature of this scheme, the client has requested that key information be kept under an NDA.
