Caice Acoustic Louvres for MCR2 Manchester Data Centre
Caice supplied SS300 acoustic louvres, louvre doors and dummy louvres to achieve both noise reduction and architectural consistency. Overcoming structural challenges with custom fixings, laser-accurate setting-out, and close collaboration, the team delivered a seamless, flush finish across 40 metres, meeting strict performance and design goals.
The brief: Delivering acoustic and architectural harmony
As part of a new-build data centre in Manchester, Caice was appointed to provide acoustic louvres to a plant deck surround to control noise emissions from the cooling plant, protecting neighbouring residential properties.
In addition, non-functioning dummy acoustic louvres were supplied to create a consistent architectural finish across the remaining building elevations. The project formed part of a wider £23 million development, with Caice’s louvre package valued at approximately £500,000.
Cold Clad Ltd specialise in the design and installation of temperature and environment-controlled construction and on behalf of Teledata at MCR2 Manchester, which provides the perfect platform for enterprise colocation needs.
The challenges: Overcoming complex design constraints
The scope of works presented several technical and coordination challenges:
Material transitions – Ensuring a seamless visual transition between functional acoustic louvres and non-functioning dummy louvres, mounted on different fixing substructures.
Precise alignment – Maintaining accurate levels along an elevation spanning 40 metres to achieve a clean, uniform finish.
Structural support – Designing secure fixing methods to support the dead load of the louvre assemblies without compromising the rainscreen system.
Late design changes – Coordinating louvre design with evolving frame engineering requirements and accommodating mechanical and electrical demands often received at short notice.
The solutions: Innovative fixings and smart detailing
Caice, led by Project Manager Francisco Klockner, worked closely with Cold Clad Ltd and the wider design team to resolve these challenges:
Custom interface details and bracketry were designed to achieve a flush transition across different material depths.
Laser setting-out and continuous datums ensured louvres were installed to tight tolerances along the full elevation.
Structural load assessments, in partnership with the rainscreen manufacturer, verified safe fixing methods to distribute weight appropriately.
Proactive communication between Caice, Cold Clad, and the architect enabled late-stage design changes and coordination issues to be addressed swiftly and effectively.
The results: A unified, high-performance finish
The completed installation delivered both the acoustic performance required to protect the surrounding community and the aesthetic intent of the architect. The louvres aligned seamlessly with adjacent materials, achieving a consistent architectural finish across the entire building. The project was completed on time, on budget, and to specification, meeting client expectations and contributing to the successful delivery of this major new data centre.
Well planned, organised & scheduled
“The Caice team, whether on site or office staff, have been a pleasure to work with. The construction was well planned, organised and scheduled. No surprises. Initial help at time of tender was very useful and the people very accommodating. We look forward to our next project with Caice.”
John Tawrdoski, Cold Clad
Caice products & services provided
Site survey
Design
Delivery
Manufacture of Acoustic Louvres, Louvre Doors & Dummy Louvres
Installation
Project management