Design ID were engaged to provide civil and structural engineering design services and construction support for the large-scale EEMS DC2 data centre for QTS data centres. The data centre is a 48 MW IT data centre consisting of two floor levels, with 4 data halls, plus rooftop cooling equipment installed on a platform. The project will house IT racks and data processing equipment that will serve various businesses and enterprises that deliver online data services to the area.
The site is 12 hectares in area and located adjacent to the existing EEMS DC2 data centre located in Eemshaven, Netherlands. The data centre building is approximately 260m x 60m x 15m over two levels. With provisions for the future expansion of the EEMS DC3 data centre, the three data centres will combine to provide an extensive operational environment.
Design ID was responsible for delivering a comprehensive WS5 civil engineering design package, acting as lead external designer and coordinator to ensure seamless project integration and site functionality. The scope of works included the design of drainage systems and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), detailed external levels, electrical and communications ducting design and thorough clash detection of BIM models and coordination of all below ground services. Additionally, Design ID provided cut and fill earthworks design, swept path analysis of construction and permanent traffic, external potable water and fire main modelling and coordination, and developed detailed road markings and signage designs. The works also included external fibre, LV, MV, and HV chamber and duct design, modelling and coordination plus all street furniture foundations design, modelling and coordination. Temporary services design and coordination with permanent arrangements, public highway works, and a construction logistics plan were also key deliverables, demonstrating an integrated and complete approach to site design.
Design ID carried out multiple site visits to oversee construction progress, ensuring alignment with design specifications and proactively addressing potential issues before they could affect the project timeline. Comprehensive inspection reports were prepared to document any defects, verify regulatory compliance and uphold safety standards onsite. This practical approach allowed Design ID to adjust designs as necessary, effectively minimising delays and reducing project costs.
One of the project’s key challenges was the programme and tight project delivery times. Design ID were appointed at the commencement of construction stage, with WS5 design progressing while the Contractor was installing infrastructure onsite. Consequently, our team performed detailed reviews and clash checks of the design information and the as-built infrastructure, identifying inconsistencies and resolving potential conflicts within a short timeframe. This necessitated strong communication with the client when challenges arose to provide dependable solutions showcasing a resilient and adaptable approach to challenges.
The utilities responsible for carrying data and power around the site were critical to the project’s success. Design ID adapted the civil engineering design to optimise the layout of these networks, ensuring essential maintenance methods and space requirements were maintained. Through a creative and detail-oriented approach, the team successfully incorporated late-stage design changes, often occurring during construction.
Design ID led the coordination between the Contractor, sub-Contractors, designers and the Client for the surface water and foul drainage networks and extensive below ground service networks. To accommodate the abundant site furniture foundations and below ground services, Design ID adapted the drainage networks to accommodate these structures and services which required precise coordination, resulting in clash free networks contributing to a successful project outcome. Below-ground services, utilities, and drainage infrastructure had to fit within narrow corridors to facilitate maintenance while adhering to minimum cover depths. Proposed surface levels could not be lowered without impacting above-ground drainage and SuDS features. To address this, Design ID conducted extensive clash detection using project BIM models and provided detailed coordinated 3D data to the M&E design team, ensuring seamless integration and transition of drainage information. The plaza landscaping retaining walls were coordinated with the below ground services which required the services to be relocated in certain instances. The plaza layout was further redesigned to provide access to underground MV ducting. This highlights Design ID’s adaptability to overcome design challenges and provide a solution that delivered a fully integrated design.
An extensive cut and fill earthworks design was conducted using the latest 3D software to produce a detailed earthworks model to provide earthwork volumes to the Contractor. Including the site strip, there is a net cut of 28,000 m3 of earth material to be removed from site. After a review of the initial levels, Design ID raised the levels to provide increased cover to the services within the development as well as raising the levels above the culvert linking the drainage ditches to provide increased cover on the pipe. This design alteration helped to reduce the volume of material to be removed across the site to achieve the design formation level. Considering the large-scale nature of the project, reducing the extent of material to be removed resulted in significant project efficiencies and savings.
The drainage design consists of a surface water piped network that collects surface water from the building and paved areas before discharging to two drainage ditches at the northern extent of the site. An overflow weir has been detailed at the upstream and downstream ends of the drainage ditches to control and manage the water level in the ditches. Due to the bank shape and soft ground conditions a bespoke weir detail was required. Design ID liaised with manufacturers to produce a design that met the project specifications. This reinforces Design ID’s commitment to producing refined solutions that overcome technical design challenges.
The site access road joins a public highway, and it was critical to ensure safe traffic flow amongst vehicles and pedestrians entering and exiting the site whilst complying with local regulations. Design ID incorporated a robust line marking and road signage solution to direct traffic flow entering and exiting the site. The road markings and signage also had to take cognisance of the cycle pathways that integrated with the access road. The design not only focused on creating a safe access environment for the site users but was designed to protect public users. Design ID incorporated strategically placed gullies along the access road to effectively manage surface water drainage highlighting our holistic approach to design.
After undertaking a detailed swept path analysis for both construction traffic and permanent traffic, Design ID incorporated a robust line marking solution to direct drivers throughout the site creating a smooth traffic flow across the EEMS DC2 site. Design ID undertook rigorous research of road standards to guarantee full compliance with local regulations. The road line markings were designed to create a user-friendly approach to the extensive site while clearly directing site flow to their respective routes. This approach expanded on the initial design information and highlights Design ID’s meticulous approach to ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards. This further highlights Design ID’s ability to enhance the overall functionality of the site.
In certain instances, specific products were required to be implemented within the design, this required liaison with local suppliers so that Design ID could verify the products and consult with the local suppliers to gain an understanding of the product. This assertive and proactive approach not only ensured that the products specified were to local regulations but also provided the client with confidence into the engineering performance of the products used within the design.
A detailed review of the ground conditions indicated a high groundwater table was present within the site. To ensure structural integrity and functionality of the service and drainage chambers Design ID undertook comprehensive buoyancy calculations to assess the uplift forces acting on the chambers to ensure that the weight of the chamber and its surround can counteract these forces effectively. By addressing this challenge, Design ID ensured the long-term functionality of the drainage and service networks across the site showcasing our ability to identify and resolve issues within the design information.
Design ID provided construction support to respond to Requests for Information (RFI) and to review Contractor submittals. Due to the stringent project programme, Design ID maintained positive client communication to address the issues raised within the RFIs to aid with the design process. This ensured that any limited design information was identified and addressed to resolve clashes between design elements. This successfully contributed to maintaining a cost-effective and high-quality project delivery.
The EEMS DC2 project showcases Design ID’s leadership in the technology and data centre sector. Combining innovation with efficiency, we delivered a tailored solution that met complex requirements while optimising costs and meeting project timelines. This success reflects Design ID’s commitment to excellence, trusted client partnerships, and ability to consistently deliver outstanding results in challenging projects.
