Equinix SO2 Data Center in Sofia is a high-tech industrial building designed by IPA - Architecture and more to meet the requirements of contemporary digital infrastructure. As Equinix's second data center in Bulgaria, the facility expands the company's capacity for colocation, data processing, and secure interconnection across the region.
The project responds to the demanding technical requirements of data centers, where reliability, security, and operational continuity are essential. The first phase, completed in 2019, provided capacity for 350 equipment cabinets. Following the SO2.2 expansion commissioned by Equinix in 2023, the total capacity reached 700 cabinets. The spatial organization supports the efficient distribution of technical zones, service routes, and equipment rooms, as well as phased development.
The building is organized across four levels, each designed around a clearly defined central axis of symmetry. Individual zones can operate independently during emergency situations, with separate power supplies from individual transformers. Backup power is provided through a diesel generator and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries, supporting reliable operation under different conditions.
The project combines industrial functionality with a high degree of technological complexity. Structural and material solutions respond to requirements for load-bearing capacity, fire safety, durability, and ease of maintenance. The reinforced concrete structure includes monolithic zones designed for high loads, reflecting the specific equipment and operational requirements of the facility.
The facade design uses glass as a primary architectural element, giving the industrial volume a clean, technological expression. Vertical sun-shading elements positioned in front of the triple-glazed units serve both functional and visual purposes. They reduce solar exposure and establish a distinctive facade rhythm that emphasizes the building's contemporary architectural character.
According to Equinix, SO2 has 100% renewable energy coverage through the operator's electricity procurement arrangements. This practice follows the approach introduced at Equinix's first Sofia data center, SO1, in 2016, and forms part of the company's commitment to more sustainable digital infrastructure.
The project was developed by IPA - Architecture and more with a focus on technical reliability, precise coordination between the architectural organization and engineering solutions, and long-term operational resilience. Equinix SO2 Data Center in Sofia supports the development of Bulgaria's digital infrastructure and provides a foundation for fast, secure, and efficient interconnection for businesses operating across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and international markets.
