Melewka’s Partnership with Butler: Powering the Global Data Center Construction Revolution
Adapting a famous line from the 1967 film “The Graduate,” the future is undeniably bright for data centers. The exponential growth of streaming media, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud services has ignited a global construction surge in the data center market. With projections indicating the US data center construction market size doubling from $7.24 billion in 2020 to $14.17 billion by 2026, the industry demands innovative solutions.
In the heart of this technological transformation, Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB) shine as the ideal choice for data center structures. Butler Manufacturing™, as the global leader in PEMB solutions, stands at the forefront of this burgeoning demand. Collaborating seamlessly with Butler Builders, we’ve been selected by both major players in commercial cloud infrastructure and corporations expanding their digital presence. The outcome: over 2 million square feet of the world’s most advanced hyperscale data center ecosystems encapsulated within Butler® buildings.
Our partnership extends beyond physical structures, as Butler’s century-long experience and innovation culminate in centralized program management tailored for data center construction. This approach ensures unparalleled continuity, consistency, and design standardization, streamlining the construction process and amplifying cost-effectiveness.
Simplicity in Complexity
Navigating the intricacies of data center construction demands a Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS) methodology. The rapid pace and multifaceted nature of these projects necessitate a collaborative, design-build construction process. The framework provides the necessary structure for success, offering collaborative controls, single-source responsibility, and design-driven manufacturing.
Drawing from decades of design-build expertise, Butler Builders seamlessly integrate this approach into data center construction. Benefits mirror those of other projects: maximum flexibility, cost transparency, value-engineering possibilities, and a simplified supply chain. While our approach streamlines and replicates data center construction, it’s crucial to emphasize that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Each client’s unique requirements drive our approach, with a spectrum of options that include pre-engineered building systems and conventionally designed structures. Sometimes, the optimal solution emerges as a hybrid, synergizing both methods to address distinctive needs.
Harmonizing Processes with Exceptional Products
While we’ve delved into the intricacies of Butler’s successful data center construction processes, it’s crucial to recognize that robust structures demand more than just processes. This is where our renowned products take the spotlight.
Data centers present distinctive climate control demands, best managed within structures optimized for thermal performance in specific geographical contexts. Butler takes the lead with the industry’s exclusive Guarded Hot Box, a groundbreaking facility where actual 8′ x 10′ roof or wall sections are assembled according to project specifications. This meticulous testing yields accurate estimations of heating and cooling energy consumption, enabling precise HVAC unit selection for ultimate energy efficiency.
The outcome of the Guarded Hot Box process lies in meticulously documented, tested assemblies that offer unparalleled value in data center construction.
With this foundation, the enduring performance of your roof and wall systems is assured. Butler’s MR-24® roof system stands as a beacon of superior commercial roofing performance, and when paired with our engineered wall systems, it translates to substantial life cycle cost savings through remarkable energy efficiency gains.
A Promising Horizon
Butler Manufacturing, in collaboration with our adept builders, has designed and executed projects encompassing co-location and dedicated digital infrastructure for diverse clientele. Whether your data center serves content delivery, cloud services, e-commerce, or general infrastructure, our distinct approach streamlines delivery timelines and enhances budget management, alleviating stress and ensuring a future of seamless functionality and financial feasibility.
Join us in our aspirations to create more, do more, and connect more Canadian communities than ever.
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