Data centers could soon become like warehouses with massive racks going all the way up to increasingly high ceilings, according to trends identified by analyst firm TechNavio.

The market researcher’s new report Global Data Center Rack Market 2014 discovered that in the last ten years, rack units have nearly doubled in size with data center operators coming under pressure to consolidate facilities into smaller spaces, driven by rising property prices.

The report identified trends driven by cost and power constraints, which are changing the way data centers are designed and the conditions for employees working within them.

As well as making increasing use of taller racks, data center operators are increasingly interested in design innovations in both the uses of space and the rack construction.

The increased density of machines means that there is increasing use of wireless connectivity in data centers, as cabling becomes a challenge to organize in a confined space.

Demand for containerized data centers continues too, says the report, but not as fast as in previous years, as the market moves out of it germinal stage of growth.

In 2010, demand for containerized data center grew 25% a year but that rate has now slowed to 20% according to the report.

A decade ago the standard size of data center racks used to be 36 units (36U) but now 42U racks make more than 60% of the market and even bigger racks are coming into fashion, according to Faisal Ghaus, TechNavio’s VP.

He said soon data center workers may need ladders to reach the upper shelves of warehouse style facilities.

“The demand for taller rack is increasing across the globe and the market is shifting to 48U and 51U,” Ghaus said.

“Currently 48U and 51U combined contributes 10% of the market but it is expected that the number will shoot to 20%."

New data centers are changing as construction blueprints put an increasing focus on ergonomics to reduce energy consumption and supervision.

The research also found that many data center operators are looking for taller roofs to accommodate taller racks and utilize the space to the fullest.

“Across the globe, many data centers are reaching the limit of their life. There is a need for restructuring and redesigning of data centers to facilitate more efficient computing,” concludes the report.

“Regulatory restrictions mean there is a need for energy-efficient solutions to be part of data centers."