PROJECTS /AUDI CENTER GOLD COAST

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.