Designing a Scalable, High-Performance Data Center for Digital Realty in Loudoun County
Building G at Loudoun Plaza represents the first and largest phase of a four-building campus master-planned by HED for Digital Realty. Located in Ashburn, Virginia—one of the most data-dense regions in the world—the 415,000-square-foot facility sets a new standard for scalable, cost-efficient, and high-performance data center design. From the start, Digital Realty sought a solution that could meet growing demand without the delays or expenses typically associated with large-scale infrastructure expansion.
HED’s response was a repeatable modular system—a flexible design framework that allows Digital Realty to expand capacity on demand while maintaining consistency, reliability, and speed to market. Each 10,000-square-foot module integrates its own power and cooling infrastructure, supporting 1,200 kW of IT load. The modules are designed to link horizontally and stack vertically, creating a scalable architecture that adapts seamlessly to new technologies and evolving client needs. This approach transforms the delivery process, reducing construction time and cost while preserving the operational rigor required for mission-critical facilities.
To maximize performance and adaptability, HED’s engineering teams tested three different cooling technologies within the same structural footprint, enabling Digital Realty to refine systems without compromising efficiency or design integrity. The use of standardized mechanical and electrical components further enhances procurement and delivery speed—an essential advantage in a market where responsiveness defines competitiveness.
The architectural expression of Building G reflects the same principles of clarity and economy that drive its function. The exterior tilt-wall construction forms a durable, cost-effective shell around 22 data halls, while the building’s perimeter introduces a contrasting steel-framed structure clad with glass curtain walls and metal panels. This zone houses the lobby, offices, and customer amenities, offering a refined front-of-house experience that communicates the precision and professionalism of the Digital Realty brand.
Sustainability was integrated from the outset, with Building G achieving LEED Silver certification. The facility balances high energy performance with long-term operational efficiency, reflecting both Digital Realty’s and HED’s shared commitment to responsible, future-ready design.
By developing a modular system that is both technically sophisticated and operationally pragmatic, HED helped Digital Realty reimagine what data center expansion can look like: faster to deliver, easier to adapt, and built for longevity. Building G not only anchors the Loudoun Plaza campus but also establishes a blueprint for scalable growth across Digital Realty’s global portfolio—a design that performs as intelligently as the technology it supports.
