Data centres
Data centres are the backbone of our digital world, enabling the services and applications that are integral to modern life. These centres process, store, and disseminate massive amounts of data, making them critical for businesses, government agencies, and service providers. It is essential that they are kept cool and protected from internal and external environmental influences to provide uninterrupted access to the digital services we all depend upon.
Interface’s data centre experience
Façade engineering is integral to data centre design, playing a significant role in ensuring the building’s structural integrity, thermal performance and sustainability.
Interface have been involved in the engineering and specification of data centres occupying more than 50,000 square metres, including remote Arctic and Mediterranean climates. Building data centres to withstand extreme weather requires careful planning and construction techniques to ensure resilience, reliability, and safety. Considerations include:
Structural integrity
Data centres must be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rainfall, and seismic events, to remain operational regardless of external conditions. It is essential to meticulously study the facade joints for weathering resistance, as any malfunction in this regard could disrupt the building’s operation.
Thermal performance
Data centres operate under extremes of temperature and humidity and ensuring optimal thermal performance is a significant challenge. Properly designed facades provide excellent thermal insulation, protecting sensitive equipment from temperature fluctuations and ensuring a stable internal environment.
The design of thermal breaks and movement joints is key to separate the environment from the humid internal environment to mitigate potential condensation.
High-performance facades reduce the need for extensive cooling systems by minimising heat gain in hot climates and heat loss in cold ones. This leads to significant energy savings and lower operational costs.
Size and scalability
Data centres are typically substantial in size in order to hold a high density of computer equipment. Due to their size, ensuring airtightness and watertightness are additional challenges. Preventing moisture ingress and controlling air infiltration help ensure optimum conditions inside the facility.
The facades must be engineered so that the elements are repetitive. The manufacturers and installers are fabricating and installing hundreds of facade panels, so this must be simplified so timeframes are met.
Well-designed facades can incorporate features that make maintenance and repairs easier, reducing downtime and costs.
Sustainability
Companies are increasingly investing in green data centres that minimise environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for digital services. Modern façade designs often apply green building practices to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Incorporating renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power both supports sustainability and provides additional power redundancy.
Administration buildings
Administration buildings sit alongside the data centres for essential daily management, housing the staff and management responsible for the operation, maintenance and administration of the data centre. The administration buildings are designed to harmonise with their environment and create a pleasant working space for the workforce, typically featuring glazed curtain wall facade systems as the standard design choice.
Facade engineering is vital for ensuring the structural integrity, energy efficiency and environmental control of data centres. Interface have developed separate processes and systems to assist in the coordination of the façade aspects for data centre projects, and will continue to evolve and advance our procedures to ensure the smooth running of each project through to completion.
