Spark was engaged by its client, to develop a high-performance data hall within the existing MDR facility. The client’s requirements specified an initial IT load of 150 kW on Day 1, with scalable infrastructure to support a total capacity of 225 kW. The initial deployment includes 27 equipment racks and 4 two-post racks, with provisions for an additional 12 customer racks in future phases.
Scope of Works:
The transformation of the space into a fully operational data hall encompassed both white space construction and technical fit-out, designed and executed to meet stringent Spark and end-user standards.
Design:
The design phase commenced with high-resolution point cloud scanning to capture existing site conditions and generated a precise cloud model. This enabled the development of a comprehensive 3D model, significantly accelerating project delivery by facilitating informed decision-making from the outset.
A concurrent design and construction workflow was implemented, allowing an advanced start accelerating the project programme and reducing downtime. Leveraging the accuracy of the cloud model, fabrication and procurement processes were initiated early, minimizing lead times and ensuring seamless integration.
Advanced BIM coordination was employed to manage multidisciplinary consultant inputs and maintain design integrity throughout. Ongoing clash detection across all design stages allowed for the proactive resolution of conflicts, reducing rework and mitigating risk. The model was continuously updated to reflect real-time site developments and incorporate design variations, maintaining alignment between digital and physical progress. This approach delivered a fully coordinated, 100% accurate as-built model at handover, providing the client with a reliable digital model for future asset management.
White Space Delivery:
The white space works involved demolition and full infrastructure build-out to Spark’s technical specifications. Key deliverables included the deployment of air handling units (AHUs) with N+1 cooling redundancy, and the installation of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system with N+1 resilience to ensure continuous operation under failover conditions.
Fit-Out Works:
The fit-out phase focused on end-user readiness, including the installation of customer-specific IT infrastructure, equipment racks, structured cabling, and integration of end-user hardware. All systems were configured to align with both Spark’s operational standards and the client’s performance requirements.
Key Information:
Project Size
- Size of the Project Team >30
- Size of Millennium Team >12
- Deployment of space to accommodate 27 x IT Racks
- Deployment of space to accommodate 12 x Customer IT Racks
- Deployment of space to accommodate 4 x 2 Post IT Racks
- Deployment of power and cooling for 39 x IT Racks at a total of 225kw
Complexity Managed
The primary challenge of this project involved executing infrastructure upgrades within a live, mission-critical environment operating 24/7. All works had to be carried out without interruption to existing infrastructure. In addition to upgrading the high-capacity power supply from the main building Switchboards to the data floor, we also addressed significant structural constraints—reinforcing the building to support the substantial load imposed by high-density server racks. To ensure thermal stability and system performance, we implemented advanced cooling solutions specifically engineered to support the high heat loads generated by the dense rack configurations.
Project Outcomes
We efficiently executed the end-to-end procurement and installation of critical infrastructure, delivering a fully operational data hall that met the client’s rigorous technical specifications, all within the defined budget and project timeline.