Leading construction contractor, Buckingham Group Contracting , has successfully completed the design and build of a new data centre near Canary Wharf on time and within budget for Wood Wharf General Partners and Cable & Wireless.

The £2m project involved the construction of a steel framed structure with a composite metal deck and concrete roof founded on a multi level waterproof raft foundation. The lower level of the raft acts as an air plenum to the data room itself.

The walls are constructed utilising composite insulated panels. The ‘Green Roof’ covering consists of a membrane lined sedum solution over the main section of the roof. Sedum roofs such as this provide a beneficial mono-climate by cooling and humidifying the surrounding air, whilst also absorbing greenhouse gases and air pollution. Green walls provide similar benefits as the Sedum roof but in addition can provide shading and can introduce a natural habitat for small animals and insects.

A complex cantilevered architectural “Halo” feature was constructed to the front and side elevations of the building. As a result of the geometry of the building this required careful design and planning to ensure that the tapered facia and soffits could be installed correctly.

The site of the new building is situated some 20 metres above the Jubilee line and is adjacent to an airshaft serving the underground on one side, and an occupied children’s nursery on the other. Buckingham Group faced the challenges of operating in this confined working environment, whilst taking proper consideration of the local residents and businesses. Limited storage and access to the working area required careful planning to schedule deliveries and eliminate oversailing during lift operations.

“We are delighted to have been involved in this complex and challenging project and to have handed over on time for new Clients Wood Wharf GP and Cable and Wireless”, said Kevin Underwood, Buckingham Group Director.

The new data centre will be operated by Cable & Wireless and is part of an enabling package instructed by Wood Wharf Developments who will eventually develop a large area of land between Canary Wharf and Prestons Road. One of the fastest growing Main Contractors in the UK, Buckingham Group are quickly establishing themselves as leading Land Regeneration, Construction and Rail Contractors , undertaking significant multi-disciplinary construction projects across a wide range of sectors.

Further information can be found at www.buckinghamgroup.co.uk