Now you can source a turnkey data center ceiling/containment system for rapid installation and reduced cost

by Brianna Crandall — July 14, 2021 — Subzero Engineering, a provider of data center containment solutions, and Armstrong World Industries (AWI), a designer and manufacturer of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall, and suspension solutions, have announced a strategic relationship for the Americas markets. Subzero Engineering and AWI have come together to create a combined containment and structural ceiling solution for data centers that is engineered to be high-strength, flexible, and quick-to-install. Further, this secure, turnkey solution offers cost savings and reduced time-to-market and eliminates construction inefficiencies.

Armstrong DynaMax ceiling structural system

Subzero Engineering will seamlessly combine the Armstrong DynaMax structural system (shown) with its Essential Series and Essential Plus+ product lines. Image courtesy Armstrong

The Armstrong DynaMax ceiling solution is an aluminum suspension system that serves as a structural and conveyance component in data centers. It provides a suspension plenum or attachment platform for cable trays, equipment, partitions, and hot and cold aisle containment barriers, while eliminating penetrations in the ceiling system. Available in 2′ x 2′, 2′ x 4′, and 4′ x 4′ suspension system layouts with coordinated ceiling options, the DynaMax suspension system can support up to a 900 lb. point load rating using 3/8″ threaded rods at 4′ x 4′ connection points.

Subzero Engineering will seamlessly combine the DynaMax structural system with its Essential Series and Essential Plus+ product lines, offering hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center operators a standardized, vendor-neutral and flexible containment solution with a fully accessible ceiling system. The new collaboration enables Subzero to incorporate the Armstrong DynaMax system into their U.S. data center market offerings and allows Subzero to provide any combination of non-structural and structural ceiling components for data centers, including an ultra-secure containment barrier to protect servers from debris.

Charlie Chiappone, senior vice president, Ceiling and Wall Solutions, Armstrong World Industries, remarked:

Subzero Engineering equals our own passion for innovation, and their expertise in the data center market is a great match for us. The Subzero Essential Series and Essential Plus+ products combined with our DynaMax ceiling solution offers a seamless approach to infrastructure provision at a time when cost optimization, performance, and efficiency are key objectives for data center owners and operators alike.

Sam Prudhomme, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Mission Critical Environments Division, Subzero Engineering, commented:

A company with Armstrong’s status in the commercial construction industry is the perfect organization for Subzero to partner with, enabling us to meet customer demands for turnkey solutions that combine customer needs with cost efficiency. This strategic relationship will enable Subzero Engineering to quickly deliver a robust, structural conveyance system that includes high-quality containment, ensuring a customer-first approach to data center design and optimization.

Rapidly expanding solution portfolio

Incorporating the Armstrong DynaMax structural ceiling system into the latest offerings from Subzero Engineering, including the recently introduced Essential Series, creates a comprehensive portfolio of data center infrastructure solutions, engineering consultancy, and modernization services, delivering industry-leading technology designed to address major customer challenges, say the partners.

Prudhomme added:

Subzero Engineering has established a market-leading reputation for consultancy and innovative products, at a time when traditional approaches are unable to meet the demands of the digital age. From the launch of our Essential Series and partnering with Armstrong to incorporate the DynaMax ceiling system into our products, we are directly addressing market needs, and will continue to do so with new partnerships, products, and services over the coming months.

For more information, visit the Armstrong DynaMax, Subzero Essential Series or Essential Plus+ product pages.