A national telco company embarked on its Canberra data hall project with the vision of transforming an underutilised brownfield site into a state-of-the-art data hall. The primary goals were to reduce both capital and operational budgets through innovative design, ensure maintainability and operational infrastructure and capitalise on existing spaces within their property portfolio to generate new revenue streams.
The project involved the design and construction of an 800kW IT load Tier III data hall, spanning a single floor of 1,700 m2. As the lead consultant, NDY delivered comprehensive documentation and project management services, engaging all subconsultants to deliver a turnkey solution for our client.
Due to the site’s critical nature, a key feature was the shift from the traditional 2N configuration of redundancy for electrical systems to a new block redundant system. This approach involved master planning the electrical infrastructure to ensure that each block of the data hall could operate independently in case of a failure, providing a robust and flexible infrastructure that could accommodate future data hall additions.
Mechanical systems incorporated computer room air handlers (CRAHs) for efficient cooling, ensuring optimal temperature control for equipment alongside energy savings.
Fire protection solutions included dual knock Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) and gas suppression systems, providing early detection and swift suppression of potential fires to enhance safety and minimise downtime. The security systems were designed to be ASIO compliant (adhering to Zone 3/4 standards) to provide the highest level of security and protection for sensitive data and safeguard critical operations.
One of the most significant challenges encountered was adapting the design to the limitations of the existing brownfield site. This involved molding the design to suit the given parameters while ensuring a cost-effective approach for our client. The project also focused on sustainable outcomes, with Building Management System (BMS) and Energy Management System (EMS) architectures providing proper oversight and maintaining usability to deliver ongoing value.
The Canberra data hall project stands out for its innovative design and holistic approach, enabling seamless integration of future projects. By transforming an underutilised site into a modern data hall, the national telco company has enhanced its operational capabilities and positioned itself to meet the growing demands of its client base.
