A Comprehensive Cloud Ecosystem

In a climate of digital transformation, NEXTDC Merlot 3 (M3) is a colocation data centre in Melbourne’s West Footscray that is set to house Australia’s largest and most comprehensive cloud ecosystem. Designing high-performance, resilient and scalable infrastructure at speed is no easy feat but utilising a data-driven design methodology HDR has delivered a purpose-built facility, using modular and adaptable solutions, that will accelerate industry growth in a decade of innovation.  

With Stage 1 of the 150 megawatt masterplan now complete, M3 operates as a colocation facility for retail, enterprise and hyperscale customers, fitted out with administrative offices, collaboration spaces and highly adaptable data halls. Strategically located close to major electricity substations, the campus is situated 10 kilometre from Melbourne’s CBD and resides at the junction between large industrial developments and low-scale residential dwellings.

Prioritising Community Well-Being

Knitted into the semi-residential urban fabric, the building form has been set 20-metres back into the site to respect the neighbours. This setback zone features densely plated swales, trees and ‘pocket parks,’ as well as a community café along the tree-lined perimeter, that gently transitions the site context from residential to industrial and puts community well-being first.

Juxtaposing Materiality & Form

The rectilinear machine space of the data halls has been wrapped in a faceted façade ribbon that houses active office, lobby and breakout spaces. In contrast, flora ascends the building on engineered trellises, inhabiting the parapets and cascading down the bespoke concrete facade to create a juxtaposition of materiality and form.