Microsoft is partnering with structural engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti and architecture firm Gensler to construct two cutting-edge data centers in Virginia. These facilities will utilize a hybrid construction approach that integrates mass timber with traditional steel and concrete, aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber (CLT) for select structural elements, replacing portions of concrete in floors and ceilings. A thin concrete layer will be applied over the CLT to enhance durability and waterproofing. By leveraging the environmental benefits of mass timber, this approach not only minimizes embodied carbon but also addresses the significant emissions associated with data center operations.
Through sustainable materials and innovative design, Microsoft and its partners seek to set a new benchmark for eco-friendly data centers. This project builds on Microsoft’s previous experience with mass timber, particularly in a building on its Silicon Valley campus. The Virginia data centers represent a major leap forward in sustainable design, potentially influencing the future of hyperscale data center construction across the United States.
Source: Gensler, Thornton Tomasetti
