1. Case Studies

Kao Data Centre Campus Harlow

A modern data centre with white server racks arranged in long rows and a person going through the aisle. The environment appears clean and highly organised, ideal for IT infrastructure.
Client
Kao Data
Project location
Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom
Project date
2024
Elbphilharmonie

Intelligent lighting for a pioneering data centre

The KAO Data Campus near London is setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Together with Thorn, Zumtobel developed an intelligent lighting concept that is not only visually impressive but also meets the highest operational requirements — efficient, reliable, and geared towards long-term sustainability.

Products

Future-proof lighting system – TECTON in focus

The modular TECTON continuous-row lighting system from Zumtobel is at the heart of this lighting, complemented by robust luminaires from Thorn. This impressive solution simply combines emergency lighting and sensor technology, long lifespan, and excellent light quality - perfect for complex technical areas in modern data centres.

A bright office corridor with grey carpet and white walls with a picture hanging on them. Two people go towards a wooden door at the end of the corridor.

Energy efficiency and innovation in harmony

With a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of only 1.2, KAO Data ranks among the most efficient data centres in Europe. Thanks to durable, low-maintenance LED systems, the environmental impact was reduced, and the BREEAM "Excellent" certification was achieved. The lighting not only prepares the data centre for today but also for the future.
Elbphilharmonie

Strong partnership for sustainable lighting infrastructure

The close collaboration between KAO Data, JCA Engineering, MEIT Consultants, Zumtobel, and Thorn has produced a high-performance lighting concept that establishes both ecological and economic benchmarks. The flexible, expandable solution supports the growth of the campus until 2025 and beyond – a clear signal for sustainable infrastructure in the digital age.
A modern server room with white server cabinets and visible ceiling wiring. A person walks through the room and is out of focus, indicating movement.

"The high performance and adaptability of the TECTON system has been crucial in achieving our sustainability and operational goals at KAO Data."
Mike Tamblingson, Operations Director, KAO Data

Our highlights: innovation meets practice

Discover our highlights, where innovation and practice meet to create groundbreaking solutions. Uncover the fascinating stories behind our most successful projects and be inspired by the results.

Rethinking Light Together

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