Building + Skid Reference Architecture

Overview

The Building + Skid Reference Architecture addresses the needs of large-scale data center programs where capacity targets exceed what container or modular building approaches can efficiently serve. It combines the durability and environmental control of a purpose-built building envelope with the repeatability and factory-quality advantages of skid-based infrastructure systems.

This architecture is designed for programs in the 10MW to 100MW+ range, with multi-zone campus configurations and long-horizon expansion plans spanning several years of phased capacity additions.

Building Envelope Strategy

The building envelope serves as the environmental shell, physical security boundary, and structural support system for the skid-based infrastructure within. It is engineered separately from the infrastructure systems to allow independent procurement, parallel construction, and flexible interior reconfiguration.

Envelope Requirements

• Structural: Clear-span steel frame designed for skid placement loads, crane access provisions, and seismic zone requirements. Column spacing optimized for standard skid dimensions and inter-skid service corridors.
• Environmental: Insulated wall and roof assemblies with vapor barriers, designed for the site climate zone. Includes provisions for large mechanical penetrations, louvers, and equipment pads on the roof or at grade.
• Security: Hardened perimeter with controlled access points, vehicle barriers at loading zones, and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles integrated into site layout.
• Fire Rating: Building construction type and fire rating aligned with occupancy classification, fuel storage proximity, and insurance requirements.

Skid Infrastructure System

Infrastructure within the building is organized as factory-assembled skid units, each containing a complete subsystem that connects to adjacent skids and to building services through standardized interfaces.

Skid Categories

• IT Skids: Rack rows with integrated power distribution, containment, in-row or overhead cooling distribution, and structured cabling. Available in air-cooled and liquid-cooled variants.
• Electrical Skids: Switchgear assemblies, UPS systems, power distribution units, and monitoring panels. Configured per zone capacity and redundancy tier with pre-tested protection coordination.
• Mechanical Skids: Chiller modules, pump sets, air handling units, and heat rejection equipment. Piped and wired within the skid envelope with connection points at defined interface boundaries.
• Controls Skids: BMS/DCIM head-end equipment, network switches, monitoring servers, and operator workstations. Typically deployed in support zones with redundant communication paths to all other skid types.

Zone-Based Capacity Planning

The building interior is divided into capacity zones, each containing a defined number and type of skids to deliver a target IT capacity with specified redundancy. Zones are designed to be independently commissioned, operated, and maintained without impacting adjacent zones.

Standard zone sizes in this reference architecture are 2MW, 5MW, and 10MW IT load capacity. Each zone includes proportional electrical, mechanical, and controls infrastructure plus dedicated service corridors and safety egress paths.

Skid Interface Standardization

Every skid type has a defined interface specification that covers physical connections (bolting patterns, alignment pins), electrical connections (bus ratings, connector types), piping connections (flange sizes, gasket specs), and signal connections (protocol, pin assignments). This standardization allows skids from different production batches or manufacturing partners to be interchanged without field engineering.

Campus Multi-Building Considerations

For programs requiring multiple buildings, the architecture extends to cover inter-building infrastructure including medium-voltage distribution rings, chilled water distribution mains, fiber backbone routing, and campus-level monitoring and control systems.

• Utility service entrance and campus-level electrical distribution strategy
• Central utility plant vs. distributed plant trade-off analysis framework
• Campus fiber backbone with diverse routing and meet-me provisions
• Site-wide security system integration with building-level zones
• Stormwater management and environmental compliance considerations

Long-Horizon Expansion Framework

The architecture includes a multi-phase expansion framework that defines how new zones and buildings are added to the campus over time. This framework covers utility capacity reservation, site master planning, infrastructure pre-provisioning strategies, and the commercial structure for phased capital deployment.