Grand Motors
THE BRIEF
The site located on busy Ferry Road, Southport on the Gold Coast is surrounded by a mixture of low density commercial and residential uses. The client’s brief was to design motor vehicle showrooms, offices and service facilities, which reflected the modern hi-tech clean lines of the vehicles (namely Mercedes and Toyota), being sold and serviced. The construction techniques and structural systems employed however needed to be both efficient and economical in terms of time, materials and costs.
THE SOLUTION
The simple curved lines of the main street façade drew the attention of the passerby to the high glazed shop front of the Mercedes showroom and the vehicles behind. The cylindrical feature at the corner served as a focal point for the façade and ideal location for corporate signage while achieving an ideal location to present new or special models to the public.
The structural solution employed included a combination of structural steel frames and tilt-up concrete panels which afforded ease and speed of construction with a robustness necessary in service areas.
High level curved fascias and layered awnings were incorporated to afford solar and weather protection as well as offer articulation of long facades.
A mixture of formal and informal landscape design on this 1.3 Ha. site complimented the varied uses from showroom to service bays in the 4,300 sq.m. of building area.
THE OUTCOME
A modern facility constructed on time and on budget which satisfied the corporate image of a prestige car retailer and the long term functional necessities required in carrying out the business.
Value : $4.5m
Contact : Mr. Mark Urquhart
