Customer: Confidential
Location: Montreal, QC
The client required the delivery of a 3.8 MW data hall within an existing shell space using a two-phase implementation plan, while ensuring uninterrupted operation of their active data center environment.
Phase 1 involved commissioning 2 MW of new IT capacity, followed by Phase 2 which added an additional 1.8 MW of high-density server infrastructure. Because the facility supported active customer contracts and revenue-generating services, maintaining full operational continuity was critical. Any interruption or delay had the potential to trigger financial penalties and breach strict service level agreements.
The project required Tier III redundancy standards across electrical, mechanical, architectural, and structural systems while construction activities were carried out inside a fully operational data center. Integrating multiple systems across two construction phases required precise coordination and disciplined project execution. Continuous collaboration with the design team ensured smooth integration between both project stages.
Our team acted as the central coordination point for this multi-phase infrastructure project. During pre-construction, we worked closely with the client, consultants, and all MEP trades to develop a comprehensive execution strategy. Early clash detection and coordination reviews were conducted to avoid costly rework and protect the aggressive project timeline.
Detailed sequencing plans and Construction Method of Procedure (CMOP) documents were developed for every connection to existing building systems. These procedures allowed electrical and mechanical work to progress simultaneously while maintaining facility uptime, safety, and operational reliability.
Strict site management practices were implemented to control dust, vibration, and noise within the live facility. Work was carefully coordinated during limited shutdown windows, and clear protocols were established for operating in restricted-access areas of the data center.
The phased execution strategy enabled successful delivery of Phase 1, followed by validation of full integration with the existing infrastructure before proceeding into Phase 2.
The scope included complete electrical, mechanical, architectural, and structural installations required to transform the shell space into fully operational IT environments.
Electrical infrastructure included the installation of new busways, tap-off boxes, breakers, disconnect switches, and grounding systems serving high-density server cabinets. Low-voltage systems such as CAT6 data cabling, security systems, and EPMS/BMS monitoring networks were also redistributed and integrated with existing facility infrastructure.
All work was carefully coordinated to ensure ongoing operations in adjacent live data halls remained fully functional throughout construction.
Our mechanical coordination involved installation and integration of VRF cooling systems with temperature and humidity sensors, insulated liquid and gas piping, and ventilation equipment. All controls were integrated into the BMS via BACnet and proprietary communication protocols, requiring careful sequencing to avoid any disruption to the existing BMS infrastructure.
Architecturally, we managed the reconfiguration of technical areas, new mesh partitions, layout adjustments and redesigned access routes for cable and mechanical distribution. A critical component was the installation of IT cabinets and Hot Aisle Containment systems, containment structure installation, blanking panels, and thermal sealing. This deployment required precise coordination with power distribution and mechanical airflow strategies to ensure optimal thermal management.
The dense overlap of mechanical, electrical, and architectural pathways within constrained spatial conditions underscored the essential value of experienced general contractor oversight. Managing VRF piping routes, cable tray arrangements, ceiling plenum restrictions, and the integration of existing
infrastructure while maintaining 100% facility uptime exemplified the complexity that only skilled coordination could successfully navigate.
We successfully delivered 3.8 MW of new IT capacity through coordinated two-phase execution, achieving full integration with existing EPMS and BMS systems without a single instance of unplanned downtime. The modernized electrical infrastructure includes high-density busway distribution, upgraded low-voltage and monitoring systems, and improved cable management and grounding networks—all delivered while protecting critical operations throughout both construction phases.
The project was completed with zero safety incidents and full QA/QC compliance, enabling our client to meet their aggressive expansion timeline and avoid substantial financial penalties. Most importantly, the seamless integration validated by the client’s operations department demonstrated how expert
general contractor coordination transforms complex multi-phase technical requirements in live environments into successful mission-critical infrastructure delivery.