PROJECTS /AUDI CENTER GOLD COAST



Project Audi Center Gold Coast
Location Southport, Gold Coast
Architect Design Imagery
Project Engineer Ross Keene
Situation
Following continued strong growth in Audi car sales throughout
Australia, Gold Coast Audi franchisee the Frizelle Group embarked
on this impressive $11 million development. The development
comprises a basement carpark and car storage area, showroom,
administration areas and 23 high-tech service bays. The
architectural design and detailing of the building was required to
conform to Audi's Showroom Concept, which is used around the world
to bring a distinct identity to their dealerships. This includes a
curved floor plan with raking columns and walls to divide the
customer zone from the car presentation zone.
Solution
The showroom area, with its curved gallery level and raking
columns offered the most challenging aspect to this project. The
curve and rake to the columns resulted in the office level, some 8m
above the showroom floor, having large spans of up to 24m. A
structural steel frame comprising raking and vertical columns, and
deep steel plate I beams, was designed to support precast
pre-tensioned concrete floor planks. This structural system
minimised the need for high formwork scaffolding. Care was required
during the design, detailing and construction to maintain the
stability of the steel frame until the perimeter blockwork bracing
walls and floors were constructed.
Results
The completed building offers Audi customers a sophisticated open
atmosphere to compliment the premium quality of the vehicles on
display. They can even enjoy a coffee in the cafeteria overlooking
the showroom floor.