We link in with the people who understand the development processes, and look at the physicality of the supply chains.

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.

It enables the ‘industrialisation’ of data centre design and construction.What we do is make DfMA a priority, a driving principle.. M&E in construction.

DfMA combines off-site manufacture with on-site assembly, using precision in pre-fabrication to drive on-site efficiency in both installation and operation.Standardisation of M&E parts and equipment leads to efficiencies of scale in both procurement and manufacture, and efficiencies of labour in the application on site of simple, safe, repeated, standard tasks.. We apply the principles of DfMA to every M&E building services project we work on, regardless of scale or sector.

We look beyond the usual to find efficiency and deliver increased value by taking a fresh look at existing M&E design approaches – and improving on them.. M&E consultancy and engineering.Bryden Wood is an integrated company.