To build one of the largest single data center structures in Data Center Alley—a part of Loudoun County, Va., that hosts 70% of the world’s internet traffic—the team had to adhere to the client’s tight deadline, making the integration of design and construction processes critical. A precast concrete structural system was used to meet the aggressive 11-month schedule.

Thirty-two modular power rooms were built and shipped to the site complete with electrical gear and wiring by two separate manufacturers. To accelerate the schedule, these units were placed by crane and connected to the building while the building shell was being constructed.  Sections of the chilled water loop and underground plumbing were also prefabricated off site and delivered to the site for installation.

The team says the project follows a recent trend of service providers building “hyperscale projects,” large data centers turned over in increasingly shorter durations. “Our rapid expansion in Northern Virginia is indicative of the growing need for our hyperspeed and hyper-scalable data center solutions,” the team noted.

The team also says that it self-performed key trades to ensure quality.

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