Data Centres

MEP design for mission-critical facilities, combining reliability, scalability, and coordinated execution from early concept through delivery. Data centres place some of the highest demands on building services engineering. Reliability, efficiency, scalability, and speed of delivery must all be achieved simultaneously, often within complex architectural and structural conditions. BWK ENGINEERS supports clients and project partners in delivering MEP solutions for data centre developments with a clear focus on performance, coordination, and buildability. Our work is driven by a pragmatic engineering mindset: translating technical requirements into solutions that function reliably in operation and can be implemented efficiently on site.

Key Facts

  • Experience across hyperscale, colocation, and edge data centre typologies
  • Project involvement in Germany and Serbia
  • Coverage of facilities ranging from 1 MW to 24 MW IT load
  • Strong focus on BIM-based, fully coordinated design
  • Support across all project stages: concept, permitting, design, and execution
  • Experience with redundancy strategies and scalable system concepts

From Early Concept to Delivery

We support data centre projects from the earliest stages, where key decisions have the greatest impact on long-term performance and cost. This includes feasibility studies, definition of system concepts, and early coordination with architecture and structure. At this stage, our focus is on identifying robust and realistic solutions, taking into account spatial constraints, infrastructure availability, and project-specific requirements.

We also assist clients during permitting and approval processes, ensuring that technical concepts are clearly defined, coordinated, and aligned with local regulations and authority expectations. As projects progress, we continue to support the design development and execution phases, maintaining a strong focus on coordination and consistency across all disciplines. In parallel, we contribute through design reviews and value engineering, helping to optimise existing concepts, improve system efficiency, and reduce complexity while maintaining operational reliability.

Focused Experience in Mission-Critical Environments

We have developed a strong focus on data centre projects, supported by a team experienced in BIM-based design and interdisciplinary coordination. This enables us to respond effectively to the specific challenges of mission-critical facilities, including high-density cooling requirements, redundancy strategies, and the integration of technical systems within constrained building layouts. Our approach is not based on standard solutions, but on developing project-specific concepts that align with operational goals, phasing strategies, and future scalability.

Scope of Services

Our services cover all relevant MEP disciplines required for data centre developments. This includes the design of cooling and ventilation systems, hydraulic infrastructure, and coordination with power-related systems in close collaboration with electrical planners. All designs are developed within a BIM environment, ensuring a high level of coordination and transparency throughout the project. Particular attention is given to system integration and interfaces between disciplines, as these are often critical for both performance and constructability.

Data Centre Experience

BWK Engineers has contributed to the design and coordination of data centre facilities across Germany and Serbia, covering a range of technical concepts and project scales.

  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    3-level data centre facility with approx. 1,360 racks (approx. 340 racks per data hall).
    Available IT load: 6.5 MW
    Gross cooling capacity: 7.2 MW
    Scope: Lph 5 (execution design)
  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    Multi-hall data centre facility with approx. 5,980 m² IT area (4 data halls, approx. 1,500 m² each).
    Available IT load: 18 MW
    Gross cooling capacity: 20 MW
    Scope: MEP design (RiBA 4 & RiBA 5) and partial power & lighting scope
  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    Large-scale facility with total gross area of approx. 13,600 m².
    Available IT load: 5 MW
    Gross cooling capacity: 6 MW
    Scope: MEP design (RiBA 4 & RiBA 5)
  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    Data centre facility with 2 data halls, approx. 5,295 m² total IT area.
    Available IT load: 7.75 MW
    Gross cooling capacity: 8.5 MW
    Scope: RiBA 5
  • Serbia – Data Centre for Epic Games, 1 MW IT Load
    Design of MEP systems for a dedicated data processing facility with a focus on high availability and stable operating conditions. The project included precision cooling systems, optimised air distribution, and redundancy strategies tailored to a smaller-scale but performance-critical environment.
  • Serbia – Data Centre Facility for EPS, approx. 3 MW IT Load
    Involvement in MEP design and coordination for a scalable data centre development, with emphasis on phased implementation and adaptable infrastructure. The concept allowed for future capacity upgrades and integration of evolving cooling technologies.

These projects reflect a broad understanding of different data centre typologies, from hyperscale environments to modular and edge solutions.

How We Work

Our work is characterised by a structured, BIM-driven design process and close collaboration with all project stakeholders. We place strong emphasis on clear communication, coordinated interfaces, and solutions that are practical to construct.

The objective is always the same: to deliver MEP designs that support reliable operation, efficient construction, and long-term flexibility of the facility.