Data Centers
Data Center Infrastructure — From Foundations to Substations
Anfra delivers earthworks, foundations, concrete structures, and substations for data center sites across Finland and Northern Sweden. Our in-house design department is responsible for geo-engineering and structural design. Our Design & Build contracting model reduces interface risks, increases efficiency, and accelerates the schedule. We also offer construction under unit price contracts.
We have extensive experience in numerous data center projects and their specific requirements. We can mobilize on-site within just two weeks of an agreement, supporting the fast-track nature and tight schedules of data center developments.
We are a member of the Finnish Data Center Association (FDCA)which represents more than 300 data center businesses and professionals, from operators to builders.
Bespoke data center design and construction
Data center construction requires specialized expertise, as these facilities are critical infrastructure where operational reliability, security, and structural durability are paramount.
Designing these facilities requires a tailored, site-specific approach. Geotechnical conditions, structural loads, security requirements, and future scalability must be integrated into the project right from the initial stages. Anfra provides data center developers with a comprehensive, end-to-end service that includes:
- Geotechnical and structural design specifically for data center environments
- Comprehensive earthworks and site preparation
- Foundations, concrete structures, and other critical infrastructure
- Substations and grid connections
- Security and physical protection (including fencing, access control areas, and firewalls)
- Integration of execution with overall technical and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) design
Jumpstart your data center project
Take the fast lane. We mobilize on-site within 2 weeks of contract signing. Our integrated approach combines geotechnical engineering, structural design, and civil contracting into a single, seamless agreement. You rapidly receive a mass balance plan, preliminary geotechnical engineering, a bill of quantities, and a contract proposal with budget pricing. The designs required to initiate work are already 90% complete.
We have executed complex civil engineering projects at Finland's major data center sites. Our management systems and HSEQ protocols are optimized to fulfill the strict demands of critical infrastructure projects.
Save 6 weeks – concurrent geo-design & investigation
Mass-based geo-design and soil investigations proceed in parallel with construction. We utilize public soil and elevation data to initiate mass balance planning immediately.
- Public soil and elevation data are utilized to initiate mass balance planning
- Test pits dug with just 3 days' notice
- Soil investigations begin within 2 weeks
- Geo-design finalized simultaneously with soil investigation results
Save 4 weeks – streamlined documentation & mobilization
Our management system is pre-configured to meet the highest industry standards, allowing for rapid deployment.
- Site-specific plans customized within 5 days to enable rapid start
- Flexible system adaptation to client specifications
- Real-time documentation visibility for the client
Save 10 weeks – decoupling structural design from procurement
The civil contractor can be selected before designs are finalized. We provide a unit price list for tendering, ensuring market-based pricing while allowing structural design to progress alongside construction.
- Design responsibility lies with the contractor, eliminating disputes
- No client liability for design discrepancies
- No waiting costs or complex claims
Let us prepare geotechnical and structural design
Our own In-House Engineering Department is responsible for the geo- and structural design of data centers. The structural design of data centers is always done on a site-by-site basis to ensure that the end result is both secure and cost-effective. High-quality design ensures smooth implementation and a long service life.
Our structural design for data centers takes into account critical factors such as high point and live loads, vibration and settlement risks, structural fire resistance and safety, as well as the capacity for future expansions.
High-quality and meticulous design lays the foundation for smooth construction, cost-efficiency, and the uninterrupted operation of the data center.
Select the contracting model that fits your project goals
Design & Build
A seamless fixed-price contract combining design and civil execution into a single agreement. This is the most efficient choice when the project scope is well-defined and cost certainty is your top priority.
Unit price contract with target price
Need more flexibility? If the strict D&B model doesn't suit your project's current maturity, this collaborative model is the solution. We establish clear cost targets together and share the achieved savings fairly. This aligns our incentives with yours, ensuring transparency and mutual benefit.
Data center construction experts - Our capabilities
References
Over 500 successful projects
- Industrial construction
- Infrastucture construction
- Structural Engineering
Over 250-person team
Our own expert team
- Engineers and Designers
- Project Managers
- Construction Supervisors
Financial Stability
Strong financial position
- Profitable business for 10 years
- Stable growth
- Reliable Partner - Vastuu Group
Surveying expertise
Precise surveying and design without information gaps
- 3D modeling
- Precision surveying
- BIM processes
Winter construction
Special expertice in winter conditions
- Arctic expertise
- Special techniques and equipment
- Year-round operations and work planning
HSEQ expertise
Safety and quality first
- ISO 9001 - Quality management
- ISO 14001 - Environmental management
- ISO 45001 - Occupational health & safety
- DNV certified
References
AIRPORT TECHNICAL BUILDING
We provided structural design services for the airport's technical building. The structures include both cast-in-place concrete and pre-cast elements.
Akkula Big Battery BESS 62,5 MW / 231 MWh + Substation
Anfra is delivering a turnkey BoP (Balance of Plant) contract for the Akkula Big Battery BESS project. The contract includes both eBoP and cBoP.
Foundations and civil works for the BESS site
We delivered the civil engineering works for a BESS site in Oulu at Oomi Solar’s 4.5 MW / 9 MWh facility. The contract included the design and construction of concrete foundations for battery containers, construction of the transformer container’s concrete foundation, civil engineering, and the installation of grounding copper wires.
GIS (Gas-Insulated Substation)
GIS Substation, Structural Design: Two-storey substation, piled foundation slab, pre-cast concrete walls, etc.
5-story electrical substation
Structural design of a substation. A modern five-storey substation building with a column-and-beam structural frame. Learn more about Anfra’s structural design expertise!
Civil works and foundation contract for a GIS substation
We provided the structural design, earthworks and foundation works for a GIS substation constructed inside a cavern. Building within the confined space required careful planning and coordination at every stage of the project. Our scope included all steel and concrete structures for the GIS substation and their...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Anfra have experience in data center projects?
Yes. We have successfully completed four data center projects in Southern Finland. Due to the confidentiality of these projects, we cannot disclose client names, specific locations, or detailed contract information—NDA practices are standard in the data center industry.
Our broader reference portfolio includes several substation projects in the 110–400 kV voltage range, providing a solid foundation for constructing power connections and infrastructure for data centers.
What does an Anfra's data center contract typically include?
Anfra delivers the physical infrastructure for data centers, including civil works (clearing, leveling, drainage, excavation/blasting, and load-bearing layers), foundations and concrete structures (slab foundations, column footings, and piling), substations (interconnection and transformer stations), as well as fencing, roads, and finishing works.
Furthermore, our in-house engineering department is responsible for geotechnical and structural design, enabling our Design & Build (D&B) delivery model. In this model, design and construction progress in parallel, which shortens the overall project timeline and minimizes interface risks.
Can Anfra deliver both the substation and civil works in a single contract?
Yes, and this is one of our core strengths. When the same contractor is responsible for both the substation (e.g., 110 kV grid connection, transformer stations) and the entire site’s civil works, foundations, and concrete structures, interface management is simplified and the overall project schedule is accelerated.
Why choose Anfra as an infrastructure contractor for a data center project?
First, we master civil engineering, concrete construction, and substation infrastructure—providing the client with a single contractor for the entire physical execution, effectively eliminating interface risks. Second, our in-house engineering department enables a rapid project start and the Design & Build (D&B) delivery model, which typically shortens the overall project timeline. Third is our mobilization capability: we can commence on-site operations within just two weeks of a contract agreement.
What is Anfra’s response time for data center projects?
We understand the critical importance of the 'Time-to-Market' factor in data center investments. Our competitive advantage lies in rapid mobilization and the ability to commence work immediately upon the completion of pre-engineering. With our in-house fleet and experienced team, we are ready to tackle even the most demanding projects.
Do you manage the strict tolerances and quality requirements of data centers?
Yes. Data center construction is a game of millimeters. We utilize the most precise measurement methods and document quality assurance at every stage (in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard). Our foundation work ensures that sensitive equipment and technical connections remain perfectly level and aligned.
How do you handle confidentiality and security?
We have established processes for handling confidential projects. Our personnel hold the necessary security clearances, and our project management complies with the most stringent data security standards. We do not disclose client details or site locations without explicit authorization
On-site, we strictly adhere to the security and confidentiality protocols established by the client, and our entire workforce is fully committed to them. Operating under an NDA does not impact the quality or efficiency of our work; it is a standard part of our operational model.
In which regions does Anfra execute data center projects?
Throughout Finland and Sweden. While our data center projects to date have been centered in Southern Finland, our organization is fully equipped for nationwide operations—our substation expertise spans from the northernmost reaches of Finland to the south. We have also executed similar industrial and substation construction projects in Northern Sweden. As the data center investment boom continues to expand into new regions, we are prepared to scale our operations accordingly.
Contact our experts to discuss the optimal scope of delivery for your project!
We are active in the design, construction and civil engineering of data centers in Finland and Sweden.
Anfra's activities are based on ISO 9001 -quality system, ISO 45001 -an occupational health and safety system; and ISO 14001 environmental management system.
