The heat pump may contain refrigerants with high global warming potential and the MVHR unit will require insulated ductwork.
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.
This allows us to work with clients to standardise procurement, through a prearranged supply chain with stockholding, if necessary, of pre-agreed capital plant and equipment.
It enables speed of installation through on-site assembly of prefabricated and pre-assembled parts in a safe and controlled manner.The Forge, a commercial office development with Landsec in central London, is the first major building to use P-DfMA from building design to delivery.
The benefits of P-DfMA are showing in many areas of the project, but not least in the installation of M&E building services, in RIBA stage 5..The Forge is designed as open-plan office space, with exposed services and soffit.
It is also designed to be zero carbon in both construction and operation.Our M&E design challenge was to look at the entire office environment and standardise the design of the M&E systems to deliver outstanding performance, while controlling costs and ensuring that the exposed services were aesthetically appealing as well.. Driving value in M&E building services at the Forge.