Ready, set, stack

June 13, 2025

Our reliance on cloud-based technology has become ubiquitous. At the epicentre of this new normal are hyperscale data centres – the digital glue that connects us to a world of possibilities in seconds. In the western suburbs of Melbourne, A.G. Coombs is playing
a role in the evolution of computing power to cater for this digital future.

As one of the fastest growing Asia Pacific hyperscale data centre providers, with capacity in Australia, Japan, Korea and Malaysia, STACK APAC has earmarked the outer western suburbs of Melbourne as a strategic market with all the attributes and capabilities to support its data centre campus.

“We are proud to deliver our first data centre in Asia Pacific within the high growth hyperscale corridor of Melbourne,” said Pithambar (Preet) Gona, Chief Executive Officer of STACK APAC. “This first facility, of many in Asia Pacific, emphasises the deep relationship between STACK’s market leading regional delivery expertise and its proven track record with global customers.”

A.G. Coombs has been working closely with STACK APAC and principal contractors on MEL01A, the first building in this campus.

“MEL01A is a purpose-built 36MW data centre with nine data halls across three floors designed to suit the demands of hyperscale computing,” says Mark Toner, Data Centre and Telecommunications Facilities Sector lead,
at A.G. Coombs.

“Our track record with highly complex data centres and our capability in off-site integrated prefabrication meant that we were engaged across both Stage 1 and Stage 2 to support STACK APAC’s rapid construction program for the MEL01A facility.”

Coordination is king

At its core, the 3-storey MEL01A data centre is underpinned by a rich suite of building services (including Mechanical, Electrical, Fire, BMS, Hydraulics and Security) that requires design, documentation and coordination.

A.G. Coombs’ expertise in Building Information Modelling (BIM) played a key role in the services coordination and identification of potential clashes –
a critical element for ensuring a fully-integrated design.

“BIM is absolutely critical for large, complex builds and for MEL01A it enabled us to prefabricate mechanical pipe modules with a high level of confidence to install efficiently on-site,” says Mark. “With so many trades and moving parts happening on-site, off-site integrated prefabrication is a key enabler for STACK APAC.”

This highly coordinated and integrated construction methodology has enabled works to continue as construction commences on MEL01B in the adjacent parcel of land. With teams of contractors on two sites sharing and navigating one access point, logistical coordination and meticulous planning have been key to meeting a compressed construction timeframe.

Cool runnings

The upsurge in computing power, fuelled by global demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), translates into significant power demands and subsequent cooling requirements for data centres. STACK APAC has adopted current global best practice for hyperscale data centres to reduce energy usage using a chilled-water cooling system supplemented with evaporative free-cooling capability combined with large fan wall units in the data halls.

A.G. Coombs has been responsible for designing, fabricating and installing the many kilometres of piping required for the cooling system. This pipework is predominately modular and typically incorporates mounting systems for other services. The sheer size and computing capacity of hyperscale data centres requires large-scale pipe distribution systems. These are best safely fabricated and assembled into modules, in a factory controlled environment ready for on-site installation.

Credentials matter

With a global focus on data centre energy consumption STACK APAC has incorporated key energy efficiency features into the design including leveraging free cooling, running elevated data hall temperatures, using hot and cold aisle containment and real-time monitoring and control of cooling systems to ASHRAE standards.

Reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability, data centre providers are prioritising lower power consumption and measurable eco-friendly practices, particularly regarding power sources and utilisation. This shift aligns with the rising importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, allowing end clients to factor data centre sustainability into their own
ESG reporting.

“We remain constantly vigilant about our approach and our understanding that, when we go through the commissioning process, there are specific methodologies we must follow to achieve the required system performance and efficiency, expected in a non-stop hyperscale environment,” adds Mark.

Getting the sequence right

The mechanical services design for a data centre requires significant expertise. Add to this the ability to segment the design into constructable modules, prefabricate these large components off-site and complete installation within a challenging live environment, is core to what
A.G. Coombs does.

A staged approach to the completion of data halls within MEL01A, allows STACK APAC to commence live utilisation of data halls as the remaining fitout is completed.

Interfacing with live systems whilst integrating services comes with its own set of challenges. There is a crucial interplay between STACK APAC, the principal contractor, facilities manager and A.G. Coombs to ensure continuity of services to live data halls whilst accommodating ongoing works.

“In a high-pressure environment with highly-complex technical services, infrastructure and rapid construction programs, planning is absolutely key,” says Michael Gunton, Senior Vice President Delivery (Australia),
STACK APAC.

“The team at A.G. Coombs has done an exceptional job in designing, planning, fabricating and installing vital components that enable us
to successfully deliver hyperscale data centre facilities to our global clients.”

This article originally appeared in BE — Building Efficiency 2024 -2025 magazine.