Tech Ready: Why Data Centers Are Turning to Pre-Engineered Buildings

The sharp rise in data usage and the rapid growth of the digital economy are fueling demand for larger, more advanced data centers. But the question is: Can your tech business build fast enough to keep up? If you move away from traditional construction methods, you can use pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) instead. These structures offer a faster, lower-risk way to get critical infrastructure up and running, with streamlined on-site assembly and shorter build times.

At Armstrong Steel, we understand the urgency behind scaling infrastructure for cloud computing, secure server storage, and other tech applications. Let’s break down how pre-engineered metal buildings meet the unique demands of data center construction — from speed and flexibility to cost control and energy performance.

The rise of data centers and how PEMBs help

Data centers are the cornerstone of today’s digital economy. Every cloud computing, streaming, and click depends on these facilities, so it’s no surprise that the global data center market is set to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030. But meeting that demand isn’t easy — tech companies are under pressure to build smarter, faster, and more adaptable infrastructure. Here’s what they’re up against:

• Scalability: Data centers must grow or adapt as quickly as digital needs evolve. Facilities should allow for seamless expansion or downsizing — whether that means adding more server space or reconfiguring layouts — without major cost or construction disruptions.
• Energy efficiency: Running a data center requires a massive and constant supply of electricity. Businesses must find ways to optimize energy use through better insulation, cooling systems, and layout planning, all while maintaining performance and keeping operational costs under control.
• Aesthetic appeal: In modern business parks or tech campuses, functionality alone isn’t enough. Data centers are part of a company’s brand image, so the exterior design should reflect professionalism and architectural quality.
• Speed of expansion: With market demands shifting fast, data centers must be built and expanded quickly. Long construction timelines can mean missed opportunities, so companies need building solutions that speed up delivery without compromising on quality or safety.

The answer: PEMBs

Pre-engineered metal buildings address these challenges with the speed, energy efficiency, and flexibility they offer. Unlike traditional construction, these structures are ready to assemble and erect on site. With PEMBs, you can build a functional and aesthetically pleasing data center quickly and cost-effectively.

The benefits of pre-engineered steel data center buildings

Traditional construction using wood, concrete, and masonry will only delay your project. Meanwhile, pre-engineered metal buildings can keep pace with the flexibility and speed expected in data center construction. Here’s a more in-depth look at the benefits of PEMBs and why they make excellent data centers.

Speedy construction

One of the significant benefits of PEMBs is their quick construction. We make all components of your prefabricated steel building kit in our factory under controlled conditions, ensuring each aspect is carefully engineered to your local building codes, loads, and environmental conditions. This approach could reduce the project timeline by up to 50%.

If you need a data center within 6 months, choosing pre-engineered metal buildings will allow you to meet that deadline without compromising quality and structural integrity. At Armstrong Steel, we make prefab steel buildings with custom assembly drawings, anchor bolt patterns, and a comprehensive erection guide. The major connections are already punched and ready to bolt together. Moreover, most components are cut and numbered, so you can assemble them based on the drawings.

Flexible designs

Pre-engineered metal buildings are highly customizable. At Armstrong Steel, we can customize the prefab steel building kit to meet your data center’s unique dimensions, layout, and structural needs. Their modular layouts allow endless expansions in the future. In addition, our designs can accommodate any external or internal finish or wall and roofing option, ensuring your building won’t look too industrial.

Whether you require a modular or clear-span structure, we can accommodate any design requirement. This flexibility allows you to make the most of the space. For instance, you can incorporate a mix of modular community spaces, offices, an open-plan workspace, and a spacious server room that can adapt to your growing requirements.

Cost-effectiveness

Pre-engineered metal buildings are quick to assemble and erect, contributing to reduced labor costs. Each part is pre-fabricated, reducing material waste and surprise costs. Plus, their low maintenance needs and durability bring long-term savings.

Durable, worry-free data centers

You won’t have to worry about extreme weather when you use a pre-engineered metal building for your data center. These structures are strong and can withstand high winds, hurricanes, and heavy snowfall. Plus, we engineer them to withstand the seismic activity in your region. Building with steel also protects your data center against fires. It’s non-combustible, so it’s unlikely for fire to spread too quickly and burn everything down.

Energy efficiency

Today’s pre-engineered metal buildings are more energy efficient, thanks to modern insulation technologies. They are easy to integrate with solar-ready roofing, insulated metal panels, and sophisticated ventilation systems. These features can help reduce your energy costs, saving you money down the road.

Let’s design a high-quality data center for your business

Get in touch with our team here at Armstrong Steel if you’re interested in pre-engineered metal buildings for your data center. We’ll work with you to design and manufacture the perfect structure that meets your exact requirements. Additionally, we will make sure your building is delivered on time. Call us at 1-800-345-4610 to get started now, or click ‘Price My Building’ to get a custom quote.