Filipino Data Centre Developer A-FLOW Hit Key Landmark
A-FLOW, a Filipino data centre developer and operator, has reached a significant construction milestone for its ML1 data centre in Biñan, Laguna. The structural framework of the building has been completed, marking a key phase in the project's development.
The ML1 campus consists of three buildings and is designed to be carrier-neutral, meaning it can accommodate multiple telecommunication carriers, allowing customers to choose their preferred provider. This feature is particularly relevant for construction firms involved in telecommunications infrastructure projects.
The facility is scheduled to begin operations in late 2024, with an initial capacity of 6 megawatts (MW). Megawatts are used to measure the power consumption and capacity of data centres, with higher numbers indicating larger, more powerful facilities.
Data centres are specialised facilities designed to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. They are critical infrastructure for the digital economy, providing the physical backbone for cloud computing, online services, and data storage.
A-FLOW is a joint venture between FLOW and ALLHC. FLOW is a digital infrastructure solutions company launched in 2021 by PAG, an Asia-focused investment firm. ALLHC is a subsidiary of Ayala Land, a real estate developer in the Philippines.
Robert S. Lao, A-FLOW Chairman and ALLHC President and CEO, said: "We are proud to contribute and participate in this opportunity to provide the country's need for data centre solutions and digital infrastructure within the Philippines."
New Filipino data centre 'future-proofed'
The construction of the ML1 campus will incorporate dual power feeds, a redundancy measure that ensures continuous power supply even if one source fails. This required specialised electrical engineering and installation work.
The campus is also designed for scalability, with plans to increase capacity from the initial 6MW to 36MW. This future-proofing approach required careful planning of the building's infrastructure and utilities to accommodate potential expansions.
Amandine Wang, A-FLOW President and FLOW CEO, commented on the collaboration involved in the project: "The topping off of ML1 is a testament to the vision, commitment and dedication of all our vendors, partners and consultants who have contributed to this achievement."
The construction process has involved addressing specific challenges related to data centre building. These include implementing advanced cooling systems to manage the heat generated by computer equipment, ensuring robust physical security measures, and incorporating raised flooring to facilitate cable management and airflow.
Manuel S. Mendoza, President and Chairman of Monocrete Construction Philippines, the construction firm working on the project, highlighted the teamwork involved: "Without the support of the A-FLOW team, this milestone could not have been possible. Congratulations to the shared success of the Monocrete and A-FLOW team!"
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