Gilberts takes data protection above and beyond – fast!

Completing a louvre screen in 50% less time than industry standard was just one of the challenges met (and exceeded) by Gilberts Blackpool, for a major data centre extension project in Hertfordshire.

Not only did the company and its approved installer, John Campey & Sons, deliver in the tight timeframe, but it did so whilst maintaining the weather integrity of the centre, which was already full with computer equipment and service plant to provide carrier-neutral superfast connectivity for tenants’ cloud data. 

In addition, the location of the louvre screen on the façade meant access to accurately complete a site survey in advance and create design drawings was impossible, despite the need for the louvres to precisely fit round scores of penetrations for ducting, cables and structural steelwork.

From initial inquiry to completion, the supply and fit project took Gilberts a mere eight weeks.

Gilberts’ advice was for its WHK75 high performance louvre system to be used in kit form, with bird guard, as it would be the most effective solution to balance the level of weather protection and ventilation required for the data hall extension. 

Gilberts’ unique blade design for the WH75 Series provides unrivalled weather performance, optimising hidden drainage discharge away from the louvres and building interior, whilst still delivering 50% free ventilation area, thus achieving Class A weather rating.

Gilberts engineered each component to order, applying expertise from over four decades worth of manufacturing louvre systems, to create a solution that would meet the high specification once installed, despite having no specific design drawings.

To create the final 17.6m x 11.1m screen, the team had to squeeze behind tarpaulin, which had to remain in place to retain the building’s weather integrity whilst the screen was fitted.

The teams also needed to precisely measure each section, cut each two metre-long blade to size with millimetre precision, and fit each blade and mullion, then flash around each penetration abutment.

John Campey, head of the installation team, commented: “The lads like rising to a challenge, and finding a solution!

“We could have completed it even quicker but were slightly held up by some additional building work creating a parapet and secondary structural support system for the screen to fit into. Gilberts’ louvre systems is the only one we work with, they are produced with great accuracy and high quality.”

Steve Hoswell, director for the main contractor on the project, esg plc, commented: “Gilberts was the obvious choice for us – it was the only louvre manufacturer that could deliver the high specification required to the satisfaction of the M&E consultant, accommodate the build programme, and still provide a commercially viable solution.”

Contact:

Gilberts of Blackpool,
Gilair Works,
Clifton Road,
Blackpool,
FY4 40T

Phone: 01253 766911
Fax: 01253 767941

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