‘The growing number of data centers in countries such as Germany is a clear indication that many European companies and countries as a whole want to build their own data centers to strengthen their technological sovereignty in light of the current geopolitical situation. There is no doubt that we will also see a number of new data centers being built in Denmark in the coming years, ranging from hyperscale facilities to smaller projects,’ says Mick Schou Rasmussen, CEO at Saint-Gobain Denmark. He continues:
‘Our experience from Germany, among other markets, tells us that the entire planning and construction process when it comes to data centers differs significantly from that of traditional commercial and office buildings and residential construction. The potential lies not only in supplying materials, but also in identifying alternatives or innovations that contractors, project owners, developers, consultants, architects, or international designers may not encounter in their day-to-day work.’ Local knowledge in an international market Mick Schou Rasmussen goes on to explain that Saint-Gobain’s combination of an international organisation with Danish production facilities and technical expertise provides a vital link between global project requirements, where specifications may have been developed abroad, and local regulations and construction practice. By drawing on the wide range of brands within the Saint-Gobain Group, including Isover, Weber, Gyproc, Ecophon, Vetrotech, Leca, GCP and Chryso, Saint-Gobain Denmark is ready with extensive specialist expertise across key areas of data center construction and ready to support and consult relevant stakeholders in all phases of their projects.
From the ground up These areas include ground preparation, passive fire protection, pre-planned fire compartments, insulation and sealing systems for maintaining stable temperatures and protecting against moisture, internal walls and facades with specific requirements to security and design.
One of many examples of a solution that can simplify construction while reducing both material use and transport requirements is Saint-Goban Leca lightweight aggregate, which can also be used in solutions with Saint-Gobain Weber and GCP.
‘Lightweight Leca aggregate can provide an efficient alternative to drilling and installing concrete piles in challenging ground conditions. By excavating weak soil and replacing it with lightweight Leca before constructing the concrete slab, loads can be distributed across the entire area while reducing the need for drilling and heavy transport of other materials,” says Mick Schou Rasmussen and continues: ‘Effective ground preparation and waterproofing protect data centers against groundwater, moisture and ground movement, and together, Leca, Weber and GCP provide a stable foundation and effective waterproofing. In addition, Weber has developed durable, antistatic flooring systems for data centres that can withstand extremely high point loads and be installed quickly using mobile pumping systems to meet tight deadlines.’
Reliability and speed is everything Architecture is also becoming increasingly important, as the familiar large, anonymous box needs to blend in with its surroundings and coexist with local communities.
For suppliers of construction materials, however, the fundamental requirement remains straightforward: helping contractors achieve the required technical performance on schedule.
“For a data center, reliability is everything. The building has to perform, and it has to be ready on time. By combining reliable products with local availability, technical advice and coordination across solutions, we can help general contractors reduce complexity – and ultimately contribute to a faster and more predictable construction process,’ says Mick Schou Rasmussen.
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