Oppidan Data Center

While this data center was based on a prototype design that is being used throughout the United States, the unique aspect of this particular location was that the local jurisdiction required a much higher end level of aesthetics than they were typically accustomed to.

The requirements were due to the project being located near a residential area. This deviation led to a shift (from a site cast tilt-up building with metal screen walls) to a precast building with precast screen walls, making it the most highly ornate deviation from the design. This shift to precast also aided with local requirements of providing façade bumpouts for the entry and other areas of the building (instead of a plain, flat building with all of the panels in the same level / plane). The differences in façade were required to create a more interesting look. The architect’s BIM manager noted that “precast made it easier to achieve accents with the both the building façade and screen wall.”

The entire project to substantial completion was only 13 months which is practically unheard of for a project of this scale. It opened in March of 2025.

Materials Playing Well Together

There were two precast mix designs, one off-white and another with and a deep charcoal color. Both had a sandblast finish. The integral color precast integrated well with the local requirements and went the extra mile in meeting this jurisdictional design criteria. These were complemented by full brick accents and glass. By incorporating brick accents into the façade it allowed the team to highlight the building entry in combination with the canopy area. The brick created a connection between the design features of the building and with the separate precast screen wall. The screen wall achieved with a brick formliner and the precast being stained to emulate brick.  The combination of brick accent and the integral color precast made the screen wall an extension of the building itself.

The integral color precast integrated well with the local requirements went the extra mile in meeting the jurisdictional design criteria.

There was a deconstruction of how colored concrete adds movement to the building elevation. The switching from one integral color precast to the next and the placement of reveals were both very intentional. There was intentional, purposeful placement of reveals. The purpose was to divide the building into one section breaking up the monotony of being one large wall. The variation created a sense of ‘movement’ for what otherwise would have been a large, repetitive monolithic structure.

The clearstory glazing accent in particular was very unique. Glazing is often not incorporated into data centers so this design team considered this a wonderful design opportunity.

Overall it’s an ideal example of precast playing well with other materials; brick, glass, louvers and mechanical equipment.

Being only 21 miles from the plant location this project contributed significantly to the use of regionally harvested local materials. The 4-2-4 CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels optimized energy performance. The precast model provided for a clean and efficient jobsite.