Data Centre, Reading

To meet growing demand for secure and reliable digital infrastructure, the existing office building is repurposed to accommodate approximately 200 server racks, designed to Tier 2 data centre standards. The scheme focuses on delivering a resilient, efficient environment capable of supporting critical IT operations while minimising operational energy use.

A key feature of the design is the implementation of a cold aisle containment system. In this configuration, cooled supply air is delivered directly into enclosed aisles positioned at the front of the server racks. As equipment operates, air is naturally drawn through the racks, with warm exhaust air released into the wider data hall. This approach optimises airflow management and reduces the energy required for cooling.

Further efficiency is achieved through advanced air-conditioning systems that utilise “free cooling”. Rather than relying solely on energy-intensive refrigeration, the system uses large volumes of ambient air to maintain the required temperature within the data centre. This strategy significantly reduces electricity demand and associated CO₂ emissions.

Through these measures, the facility achieves a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25, demonstrating how thoughtful building services design enhances the performance and sustainability of digital infrastructure.