E&K accelerates data center commissioning with lightweight, reusable wall system
In large-scale data center projects, where speed and efficiency are paramount, temporary wall systems play a critical role in ensuring seamless operations. For E&K of Phoenix, traditional solutions like metal studs and Coroplast sheets often fell short, demanding excessive time and labor for installation and removal. Seeking a more effective alternative, E&K turned to STARC’s temporary construction walls. These innovative wall systems allowed the team to meet tight timelines, maintain flexibility, and deliver exceptional results across multiple data halls.


Challenge
Faced with the unique demands of data center construction, E&K sought a superior alternative to traditional temporary wall methods. The project required extensive testing and balancing of hot-aisle containment across multiple data halls, each spanning approximately 40,000 square feet. The walls needed to be flexible, efficient, and reusable, serving all four buildings of the facility while minimizing downtime.
Traditional solutions, although commonly used, posed several challenges: prolonged installation times, increased labor costs, and significant waste during removal. Recognizing these inefficiencies, E&K aimed to streamline the process while adhering to the project’s stringent timelines.
Solution
E&K implemented STARC’s LiteBarrier™ panels, including extensions that allowed them to reach a height of 13’6″. These lightweight yet durable temporary construction walls offered the ideal balance of flexibility and performance. Key benefits included:
- Quick Installation: LiteBarrier panels enabled rapid setup and takedown, allowing E&K to transition efficiently between data halls.
- Customizable Height: The panels’ extensions provided the necessary height to meet the project’s specifications without compromising stability.
- Sustainability: LiteBarrier’s reusability reduced waste, aligning with E&K’s commitment to environmentally conscious practices.


We were able to install the panels rapidly, allowing our teams to move seamlessly between phases.
– Dan Pignatari, Senior Estimator, E&K of Phoenix
Dan Pignatari, Senior Estimator at E&K of Phoenix, emphasized the speed factor as a critical advantage. “We were able to install the panels rapidly, allowing our teams to move seamlessly between phases,” Pignatari noted. The team’s ability to relocate and reuse the panels across data halls without compromising quality or functionality demonstrated the true value of STARC’s temporary wall system.
LiteBarrier’s modularity also supported E&K’s need for customization. An integrated option for airtight containment met the precision standards required for data center operations.
Conclusion
By choosing STARC, E&K achieved significant savings in time and labor while improving overall project efficiency. The reusable panels not only cut down on material costs but also aligned with sustainability goals by minimizing waste. Key outcomes included:
- Faster Installation: Compared to traditional drywall, LiteBarrier reduced installation times dramatically.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Panels were easily reconfigured for different phases of the project, ensuring seamless progression.
- Cost Savings: Reusable panels minimized material waste and eliminated reliance on single-use solutions like drywall or Coroplast sheets.
LiteBarrier was instrumental in enabling E&K to deliver a high-quality data center project on time and within budget. This success reaffirms the value of modular temporary wall systems in demanding construction environments.
To learn how STARC’s game-changing temporary wall systems can benefit your project,