Passive Fire Installation Across Five High-Spec Data Halls
GI Construction Solutions was awarded the contract to deliver critical passive fire protection works at Vantage CWL 1, a major data centre development comprising five large-scale data halls. With a total project value of £500,000 over 48 weeks, this job required exacting standards, in-depth industry knowledge, and seamless collaboration with site teams and manufacturers.
Project Scope
The brief included installing passive fire protection throughout the key infrastructure areas of the facility, which housed:
- MV (Medium Voltage) switch rooms
- LV (Low Voltage) switch rooms
- Battery backup rooms
- Circulation corridors across all five data halls (total capacity: 14 megawatts)
Our responsibility was to ensure that all fire-stopping solutions were compliant with the latest building fire regulations, using tested and approved systems specific to each zone and penetration type.
Key Challenges
Delivering passive fire protection in a data centre setting requires more than just technical skill—it demands an adaptive approach, precise coordination, and zero tolerance for error. The primary challenges included:
Complex Specification Matching
From the outset, one of the most pressing issues was selecting a passive fire manufacturer whose systems could meet the precise technical needs of the site. This involved in-depth consultation with multiple manufacturers to identify tested details that would suit the various electrical and structural penetrations throughout the project.
Maintaining Programme Integrity
Despite the technical complexities, our team remained committed to delivering on schedule. We worked closely with other contractors and site managers to avoid delays while ensuring quality was never compromised.
Solutions & Collaboration
GI Construction Solutions took a collaborative approach to the challenges faced:
- Liaised directly with manufacturers, design teams, and the client to identify the most appropriate fire-stopping materials and installation techniques
- Regular site coordination meetings and real-time progress tracking (via Fieldwire and OneTrace) ensured that all tasks were completed in alignment with the wider project schedule
- Installers followed BRE-accredited procedures, with all work thoroughly documented and quality assured
Results
The project was completed to the highest industry standards and delivered:
- Full fire safety compliance across all high-risk electrical and operational areas
- Seamless integration with the wider construction programme
- A proactive, solution-focused approach that ensured no compromise on time, safety, or performance
The success of the Vantage CWL 1 project reinforced GI Construction Solutions’ reputation as a trusted partner for fire safety installations in mission-critical environments.
