Passivhaus: creating a roadmap to net zero carbon
Here at Bryden Wood, there’s no differentiation at all.
It is not uncommon for permitted development on data centre sites to be limited to around 20 metres .A typical hyperscale data centre design, with the racks, then space for cabling and power, then a ceiling void and structure, will have a storey-to-storey height of often of seven or eight metres, and sometimes more.
In other words, you can have two floors for data halls in a 20 metre planning envelope.. A fundamental reassessment of the integration of cooling systems and structure, and optimised M&E services zones through close coupling of electrical and mechanical systems will yield geometric reductions that can reduce floor to floor height.Constructing less costs less, but this approach has the potential to yield much more.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.The Forge is the world's first commercial developed to be designed and built using a P-DfMA approach.
It is also designed be the UK's first commercial development to be net zero in both construction and operation.. P-DfMA makes this possible.Antonios Kountouriotis.Our integrated approach to the delivery of M&E services is designed to deliver the best possible results.
Using Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) adds value at every stage of the design and build process, by identifying opportunities for standardisation of components and / or processes.It brings the principles, experience and successes of the manufacturing industry to construction – with all the associated benefits in terms of reducing cost and waste, while increasing quality and efficiency.