Balancing security and aesthetics for Kao’s state-of-the-art data centre

Balancing security and aesthetics for Kao’s state-of-the-art data centre

Kao London One, situated at the heart of the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor, is one of the UK’s most advanced data centres. The facility features state-of-the-art technology, offering world class capabilities for a variety of local, national and international data driven industries such as media, banking and retail.

Data centres must be protected against a range of cyber and physical threats including sabotage, terrorism and trespassing. The first phase of the £200million data centre campus was completed at the start of 2018 and required a robust and extensive high security perimeter solution.

Throughout the project Jacksons worked closely with JCA, the principal contractor for the design and build of Kao London One.

To meet the stringent security requirements of the 32,000sqm site, Jacksons installed 172 metres of Securi Mesh Plus SR2, galvanised and polyester powder coated RAL 6005 (green), three matching bi-folding speed gates to control access and egress to the site and three 4 metres rising arm barriers.

Installed around the perimeter at a height of 3 metres and featuring double skinned mesh up to 2.4 metres, Securi Mesh Plus SR2 provides an ideal solution for high security sites such as Kao London One. Accredited by LPCB and Secured by Design, having achieved LPS 1175 SR2 certification, the fencing is resistant to attacks from a range of tools and features a number of anti-climb properties, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

With access control and egress being imperative to the site, and to avoid impeding on the day-to-day operations of the data centre, Jacksons installed a double layer of security, combining 4-metre-wide rising arm barriers with automated Bi-Folding Speed Gates. Hydraulically operated and with minimal moving parts, Bi-Folding Speed Gates produce a smooth and fast action, perfect for facilities where the speed of opening and closing is essential for the security of the premises.

Tom Absalom, Managing Director, JCA, commented:
“This end-to-end construction project demanded a high level of perimeter and gate security but also aesthetic appeal, to complement the cutting-edge building design. Our business has a rigorous approach in the selection of subcontractor partners and we expect excellence in both competence and co-operation, in order that projects are completed on time and on budget. Jacksons Fencing delivered a first-class service and brought significant experience and knowledge to the process. We would certainly work with them again in the future.”

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