Structural Stone Data Centre in Sweden by Carl Fredrik Svenstedt

This article spotlights the Stone Cloud data centre project by Paris-based Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architects near Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Planned to begin construction this year after planning approval, the scheme rethinks data infrastructure as a landscape-ready, stone-built landmark.

The design uses two silo-like oval towers clad in standardised granite panels. This approach reduces embodied carbon, improves thermal performance, and enables future reuse beyond data storage.

Stone Cloud data centre: granite towers for a low-carbon digital backbone

The development centers on two oval towers that enclose rectangular server cores. Surrounding curved volumes house access stairs, supply routes, and cooling shafts.

A triangular base contains electrical and mechanical spaces, a recuperation plant, a maintenance hall, and offices. This creates an integrated hub for operations.

By selecting granite over concrete, the project aims to lower embodied carbon. The material’s thermal mass helps stabilize temperatures and reduce energy demand.

The concept also highlights heat recovery and recycling as key strategies. These measures support sustainability in an energy-intensive facility.

Material choices and environmental strategy

Granite’s structural strength allows for slim, modular paneling. These panels can be manufactured off-site and assembled with minimal waste.

High compressive strength and durability enable long service life in a data centre context. The lower embodied carbon compared to concrete supports sustainability goals.

The design’s use of thermal mass means stone walls help dampen temperature swings. This reduces mechanical cooling needs and enables heat recovery for other building uses.

Architectural form and spatial organization

The two oval towers function as distinctive, easily identifiable data hubs. They maintain a careful relationship with the surrounding landscape.

The towers enclose rectangular server cores. The curved volumes around them provide access, supply routes, and cooling shafts.

The assembly rests on a triangular base that houses essential services such as electrical rooms, mechanical spaces, and a recuperation plant. This setup streamlines maintenance and operations.

The arrangement supports modular growth and serviceability. It also allows for future conversion without compromising core data functions.

Adaptive reuse and a future-proof strategy

Svenstedt emphasizes that the Stone Cloud buildings are designed to be enduring and convertible. When data storage needs change, the structures could be repurposed as offices, housing, or cultural spaces.

This extends the value of the investment and reduces waste. The project is planned as the first in a broader Stone Cloud portfolio across Europe.

Each site will use local stone types to strengthen regional identity. This delivers scalable, context-aware data infrastructure.

Collaboration, delivery and site context

Delivery involves a multi-disciplinary team, with Webb Yates providing structural stone engineering expertise. Metod Arkitekter acts as the local architect.

Landscape design is by Mark Landscape Architects. The developer is Arlandastad Group.

The collaboration prioritizes structural integrity and landscape integration. This ensures the data centre fits its European environment while maintaining performance standards.

Impact and significance for European data centres

The Stone Cloud project reframes how digital infrastructure can be embedded within the cultural and ecological fabric of a region.

By combining granite’s durability with energy-conscious design and a clear path toward adaptive reuse, the proposal offers a template for sustainable, context-led data centres across Europe.

This approach could inspire a new type of industrial landmark that blends memory, honest materials, and advanced technology.

It shows that digital facilities can work in harmony with landscape and climate goals.

• Low-carbon material strategy with granite
• Thermal mass and heat recovery integration
• Adaptable, long-term design with future reuse
• Regional collaboration and landscape alignment
• Scalable concept for a European Stone Cloud portfolio

 
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