Data centres
Steel frame-based solutions for mission-critical data centres
Nordec delivers structural steel frames and secondary steel structures for data centre buildings, including support for roof and façade systems. We work with hyperscale, colocation and enterprise data centre developers and contractors across the Nordic region and several European markets. Nordec is one of the leading suppliers of structural steel frames for data centre buildings in Northern Europe.
Our delivery ranges from structural frame to weathertight building depending on customer. A typical scope consists of the primary steel and concrete structures, secondary steel, external walls and loadbearing roof decking. Structural design, fabrication capability up to Execution Class 4 (EXC4) and installation are coordinated within a delivery model that supports predictable execution in large data centre construction projects.
Nordec has supplied frame and façade solutions for data centre developments across the Nordic region and several European markets since 2009, covering single-storey data halls, multi-storey buildings and expansions within operating data centre sites.
Structural steel solutions for data centres
Data centre construction requires structures capable of supporting large spans, high loads and integration with building services and technical systems. Structural grids and column locations must accommodate server layouts, cooling systems, cable routing and defined service zones, often within tightly coordinated tolerances.
Steel structures provide the structural capacity required in data centre buildings while allowing adaptable structural grids that support different equipment layouts and technical zones. Clear load paths and high load-bearing capacity support heavy equipment such as server racks, cooling units and power infrastructure.
Hybrid structural solutions may combine steel frames with concrete floor systems such as precast elements or cast-in-situ concrete, depending on project requirements for fire resistance, vibration control, acoustic performance and floor stiffness.
Secondary structures and envelope support
In addition to the primary structural frame, data centre buildings typically require extensive secondary steel structures. These include equipment platforms, service routes, maintenance walkways and access stairs supporting technical systems and maintenance access.
Integrating these elements during structural design improves coordination with mechanical and electrical systems and supports efficient construction sequencing. Steel structures also provide supporting structures for façade systems, cladding assemblies and roof structures used in data centre buildings.
Project delivery for data centre construction
Early structural design and coordination
Early structural design and coordination support alignment between structural grids, floor capacities and technical systems.
Nordec contributes during the planning phase by providing input related to constructability, structural grids, floor capacities and service openings for building services and technical systems. This reduces interface conflicts and supports efficient planning of construction phases.
Integrated delivery process
Nordec coordinates structural engineering, fabrication and installation as part of the project delivery process. This integrated delivery model supports coordination in MEP-intensive environments, where structural systems must align with mechanical, electrical and cooling infrastructure throughout the project lifecycle.
Consistent coordination between design, fabrication and installation supports predictable execution in time-sensitive data centre projects.
Steel fabrication
Structural elements are produced in Nordec production units in Finland, Poland and Lithuania.
Manufacturing takes place under controlled factory conditions, enabling consistent quality, material traceability and delivery planning aligned with project timelines.
Nordec’s own production units can be supported by an established subcontracting network in Europe when additional fabrication capacity is required. This supports continuity of delivery in schedule-critical data centre projects.
Structural installation
Structural installation on site is coordinated with the overall construction schedule and site logistics.
The installation scope typically includes erection of the primary structural frame, secondary steel elements and roof and façade-related structural components depending on the project scope.
Careful planning of deliveries, lifting operations and site sequencing supports construction progress during compressed schedules typical for data centre construction.
Experience in data centre construction
Nordec has delivered data centre projects across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Belgium. We also operate in several other European markets, including Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
These projects have included hyperscale and colocation data halls and expansions within operating data centre sites where construction takes place alongside ongoing technical operations.
Nordec’s published data centre reference projects include Vihti, Kouvola, Katrineholm and Narvik.
Many data centre projects are delivered under confidentiality agreements. Contact our team to discuss relevant references.
Delivery model for data centre projects
- Nordec supports data centre construction through coordinated structural design, fabrication and installation delivered within one project scope.
- Early structural coordination supports alignment between structural systems and technical building services, reducing interface risks during construction.
- Production in Nordec’s own factories enables controlled manufacturing conditions, consistent quality and material traceability for structural steel elements.
- Prefabricated structural components support predictable site installation and coordination with building envelope and technical systems.
- This delivery approach supports repeatable solutions across multiple data halls and phased expansions, enabling consistent execution in data centre projects.
- Steel structures also allow future modifications or extensions when facilities expand or equipment layouts change during the life cycle of the building.
Quality, compliance and documentation
Data centre construction projects require strict documentation and traceability. Nordec operates according to internationally recognised management systems including ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.
Welding quality management follows EN ISO 3834-2 and structural steel production is CE-marked according to EN 1090-1. Fabrication capability extends up to Execution Class 4 (EXC4). Environmental Product Declarations are available for steel products when required for project documentation.
Learn more about Nordec’s certified processes.
Nordec – member of Finnish Data Center Association.
