I just want to know the best practice in locating a Data Center at a beach area less than 2km from the water. What are the considerations?

Daddie17,
There are a few things you should consider. Obviously, the biggest issue being, are you in an area that is susceptible to flooding (this includes Tsunami). It would be best practice to leave your lower floors as office space/entry, and non-critical. Mount your critical systems higher in the building, or perhaps roof top.
Then there is the issue of, are you in a hurricane zone (cyclone/typhoon, whatever you call it in your region). If this is the case, you need to ensure your building will meet the proper wind exposure expected.
Lastly, salt water. Salt water corrosion is a serious issue in areas near some sea-sides. Ensure you have good control over fresh air supply, and that the right filtering and humidity control is maintained.
Aside from that, build away.

Best Regards,
Scott
ATS, CDCE

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler."

Thank you Scott,

We never experience Tsunami or Hurricane in this (pray we don't). But we experience flooding regularly. With this in mind, are you suggesting having the power equipment at an elevation after having the critical DC equipment on a higher floor? Can we still run the power utility cables underground?
How do we prevent salt water corrosion? I believe the precision HVAC will provide good quality air supply and humidity control.

Thanks.

Daddie17,
When doing a site selection for DC build there are literally 100's of things that need to be considered. I have a saying that "I can build a data center anywhere". And this is true. But you have to consider the costs involved in mitigating any man made, and natural risks. I'm curious as to where you're planning to build this, and why it has to be built on the beach?
Flooding is a serious risk to mitigate, but it can be done. Buried power cables are fine. One thing about power cables is, they are waterproof. The cable isn't so much the issue, it's where and how it connects, and what it connects to. Switch gear doesn't tend to be water proof, or even water tolerant.
My key point before is, if you know you haven frequent flooding, then your better off building a multi-story structure, and a 1 story structure. If you are US based, 1 floor structures seem to be the norm. In Asia, mostly multi-story structures are utilized.
Keep in mind that things like hurricane and tsunami as well as other flooding should be examined on a 100 year basis (not just a, "it hasn't happened here in my lifetime" basis).
HVAC (CRAC/CRAH) will have some humidity control if you buy the right units, but not all come that way by default. So you need to consider this carefully.
Also, what Tier objective (Availability) are you planning for? How big will the DC be?

Best Regards,
Scott
ATS, CDCE

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler."

Availability of land space determine the choice of the beach area.

The customer is looking at a Tier III and the plan is to have two computer room with a total area of about 800sq m.

We always use the Liebert Hiross air cooled CRAC for all our DC. Do you have any other in mind?

We will have to work with the Architect to have a robust building design.

Thanks.

Daddie17,
Is that Tier III Uptime Institute, or Tier 3 TIA-942? They specs are very different, and in my experience widely (and wildly) misunderstood. Beware this expectation, and that's pretty small space to be building Tier III (3) standard to.

Best Regards,
Scott
ATS, CDCE

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler."

It is a Tier III Uptime. Availability is the main reason of going for this level. Two rooms was being designed because of growth and modularity.

Hoping to get the Institute to certify both design and implementation.

Regards.

Make sure your designer is ATD and/or ATS certified, or you will be in for big surprise come audit time.

Best Regards,
Scott
ATS, CDCE

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler."

Thanks Scott.

Going along with Uptime on this.

But you are one. Maybe I should even engage you. Can we talk privately?

Regards.

Sure, contact me through LinkedIn, Scott Payton.

Best Regards,
Scott
ATS, CDCE

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler."