Project management
Specialist project management services including project strategy, sequencing, scheduling, costing, procurement, contract administration, and delivery support.
Amsterdam Data Centre
Originally developed in the early 2000s, the Amsterdam West Data Centre is one of eight facilities in our client’s global portfolio; stemming from the early adoption of large-scale IT data processing facilities. It provides around 441,000 ft2 of high quality carrier neutral technical space in the Slotervaart district, adjacent to the main Dutch cable infrastructure. This world-class data centre campus is just 2km from the financial district and city centre.
We were appointed as project managers, cost and BREEAM consultants for the masterplan Phase 1 extension providing an additional 25,400ft² of bespoke technical space for a large North American telco operator end user.
Key details
Project name
Amsterdam Data Centre
Client
Global Switch
Location
Slotervaart district, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Services provided:
- Cost consultancy
- Project management
- Programme management
- Contract administration
- Employer’s agent
- BREEAM consultancy
Challenge
The extension was created to the east of the existing building within the large open car park area. The new building would abut directly adjacent to the existing one which housed key office and management suites serving the extensive technical rooms located throughout the data centre.
The extension was constructed in ground with a high water table, requiring careful ground water management. Local Authority building permits were required and the scheme also had to achieve the Dutch environmental BREEAM standard “Very Good”.
Tight timelines demanded a rapid design stage and a main contractor had to be procured through an efficient competitive tendering process.
Solution
The key to delivering this challenging project was to ensure the multi-national team fully understood the client brief, timelines and specific deliverables. English was a second language for many members of the design team and to ensure no time was lost we deployed bilingual assistants to help with briefing and design development, ensuring concepts were clearly communicated.
Our team was based on site full time for the duration of the scheme, ensuring clear and constructive dialogue between the numerous travelling client and end user team members. Careful co-ordination ensured meetings were held to suit parties in three different time zones simultaneously, increasing productivity and design understanding.
This facilitated fast design production and approvals, enabling early release to statutory authorities for consideration. The fast track management of the design enabled the construction works to commence as early as possible, creating float in the construction programme.
On site challenges were considered and specific risks around vibration transmission, ground water and deliveries were all mitigated through careful planning and extensive on-site monitoring.
The site team worked closely with the main contractor senior management to anticipate, manage and mitigate remaining project risk and potential for delay, resulting in a smooth construction process and completion on time and budget.
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