Modular construction is a modern construction method in which building components (modules) are pre-fabricated in a factory in a controlled environment, then transported to the construction site and assembled into a complete structure.
1. Main features
- Each module is a separate unit: it can include walls, floors, ceilings, electrical and plumbing systems, air conditioning, and even complete furniture.
- The modules are designed to fit together like lego pieces when assembled.
- Can be applied to both permanent (such as hotels, schools, houses) or temporary (cabins, construction site houses…) constructions.
2. Advantages of modular construction
- ⏱️ Save time: Because module production and site preparation can take place in parallel.
- 🛠️ Better quality control: Because the module is manufactured in the factory with standardized process.
- 📉 Reduce waste and labor costs: Nhờ cơ giới hóa và tối ưu hóa vật liệu.
- 🏗️ An toàn hơn: Significantly reduces the amount of work on site, thereby limiting the risk of accidents.
- ♻️ Environmentally friendly: Less dust, less noise and less waste at the construction site.
3. Disadvantages to note
- 🚛 High shipping costs: Especially for large modules or difficult to access construction sites.
- 🧩 Limits in architectural design: Because the module must comply with standard dimensions for ease of production and transportation.
- 🔧 High requirements for accuracy in design and construction: To make sure the modules fit perfectly when assembled.
DCH'S STRATEGIC
In the context of the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) creating enormous pressure on digital infrastructure, traditional data centers are gradually revealing limitations in deployment speed, scalability and flexibility. Clearly recognizing this inevitable trend, DCH - a new generation data center developer in Vietnam - has chosen a breakthrough path: building data centers using the modular method. This is not only a technical choice, but also a long-term strategy to make Vietnam a bright spot on the Asian digital infrastructure map.
Modular approach: Smartly “assembled” infrastructure
Instead of building an entire data center in the traditional way (pour foundation, rough construction, finish and install equipment on site), the modular approach allows the project to be broken down into standardized functional blocks: electrical infrastructure block, cooling block, IT block, control block, etc. These modules are manufactured, assembled and thoroughly tested in the factory, then transported to the construction site and fully assembled in just a few days or weeks, depending on the scale.
With this approach, DCH can shorten data center deployment time by 30–50%, while strictly controlling quality according to Uptime Institute's Tier IV standards.
Why DCH chose modular for data center in Ba Ria - Vung Tau
The DCH Global Hub Data Center project located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau is part of DCH's large-scale AI infrastructure investment strategy. With a total planning area of tens of hectares, this will be the first data center cluster in Vietnam to apply a completely modular model.
There are three main reasons why DCH chose this method for the key project:
Speed of Deployment: In an AI market that changes every month, the ability to quickly bring a data center into operation is a vital advantage in attracting international customers.
Flexibility and scalability: With the modular model, DCH can expand the data center in clusters according to market demand - optimizing investment costs while ensuring linear growth without disrupting existing operations.
Optimized operation and maintenance: The modules are designed separately but synchronized, making monitoring, replacing or upgrading equipment much simpler than the traditional model.
Technologies integrated in DCH module system
Not only innovating in construction methods, DCH also integrates many modern technologies right from the module design stage:
Liquid cooling: Meet the needs of AI processing with high power density.
UPS module solution and parallel backup power supply (N+1, 2N): Ensures superior availability.
Intelligent BMS and DCIM systems: Enable real-time monitoring, alerting and coordination of operations.
High-speed and secure networking: Ready for AI, IoT, big data, and hybrid cloud applications.
A step to open a new future for Vietnam data centers
DCH’s pioneering application of the modular model in data center construction not only creates a distinct competitive advantage, but also contributes to shaping a new standard for Vietnam’s digital infrastructure industry. While countries like Singapore are tightening the licensing of new data centers due to concerns about electricity consumption, the modular model helps DCH proactively control power efficiency (PUE), combined with renewable energy solutions such as solar power and smart storage.
Furthermore, the modularization strategy also helps DCH expand to many other localities, forming a distributed data center ecosystem, supporting national digital transformation in a more sustainable and effective way.
Building a modular data center is not only a technological advancement, but also a revolutionary strategic vision in the digital infrastructure industry. DCH, with its methodical and pioneering steps, is not only building a data center – but a new standard for the future of AI in Vietnam and the region.