When the Construction Innovation Hub began, the intention was for a project management strategy focused on iteration and development.
For example, a reduction in floor to floor height to 6.5m would enable a three-storey data centre on that same site – an instant gain of 50% in site yield and significant reduction in cost per kW.. A similar approach to close integration of design and the arrangement of primary plant and ancillary systems will optimise the data centre facility plan footprint.Again, this maximises yield per m2, with the added benefit of a reduction in costly M&E distribution paths..
Deferring CapEx, delivering predictability.Data centres are expensive.Being able to compress the time from project inception to occupancy, as well as having reliable procurement and supply chain, and a predictable construction programme, is hugely valuable in being able to defer CapEx and cost of finance.. One of the core principles of DfMA is the standardisation of parts and construction/assembly processes.
It enables the ‘industrialisation’ of data centre design and construction.This allows us to work with clients to standardise procurement, through a prearranged supply chain with stockholding, if necessary, of pre-agreed capital plant and equipment.
It enables speed of installation through on-site assembly of prefabricated and pre-assembled parts in a safe and controlled manner.
And given the nature of data centres, they lend themselves particularly well to this approach, where standardisation of the end-user product is paramount.. DfMA brings precisely the reliability, predictability and speed to market that our data centre clients want and benefit from..The pattern of the fixing points caters to full range of M&E service elements, according to size and purpose: some are attached to unistrut, some are on frames or drop rods, and some are fixed directly to the soffit.
But in order to keep fixings and supports to a minimum, fixing requirements for all M&E services are considered in coordination and designed to be shared between modules / equipment.They are also pre-attached offsite wherever possible, ready to fix to the pre-cast points.. Pre-assembled pipe modules massively reduce the amount of working at height required.
Pipework is assembled in its frame off-site.The frame then serves as its support for transport purposes, and allows for stacking of multiple units.