Aston Martin Dealership – Bristol

Client: Aston Martin

Architect: NC Architects Ltd

Gemma Design was commissioned to work on this split level dealership over three floors, for Aston Martin; a prestigious car manufacturer. The project called for sophistication within the design, emitting style and luxury, whilst tackling the geographical and logistical challenges of the site.

The proposed plot was on a long slope, so the major consideration for this scheme was the provision of level platforms for both the building and the surrounding parking areas. There was a difference in site levels of 8 meters across the site with three existing roads and one dwelling in the vicinity, so the design had to incorporate various access points and the neighbouring dwelling.

Gemma Design, along with NC Architects Ltd, were able to approach this design collaboratively using a 3D ground model, enabling them to maximise the use of the natural slope and incorporate it into the design, thereby eliminating the need for earth retaining structures. From the front of the building, the dealership appears to be of a single level, approached by a large gradient drive way. The wall to the right frames the glass fronted showroom, whilst hiding the falling slope to the back concealing two additional floors built in to the natural slope of the land.

The new Aston Martin Dealership upon arrival

The building has a number of interesting constraints, most notably an internal clear span of 32m at roof level, with the main showroom, above the workshop hidden from sight, spanning just 20m. The 8m cantilevered roof section to the front of the building adheres to the style and sophistication required for such a luxury brand.

The design was made more challenging by the request to reduce the height of the building by 1m, consequently reducing the available structural zones. The specifications weren’t possible using traditional rolled sections, therefore cellular beams were chosen to meet the client’s revised brief.

Incorporated cellular beams by Gemma Design

Careful consideration had to be given to the potential for the show room to vibrate, in resonance with V8 engines of the cars, when traversing the showroom. Using CellVibe, a software package developed by the SCI, the floor plate was analysed to look at the behaviour of the floor system. Gemma Design calculated the accelerations and response factors of the floor to demonstrate that the building didn’t vibrate and cause discomfort to the occupants every time a new car was rolled in or out.

The vibration of the floor is controlled by the system as a whole, i.e. not just the floor slab, but the primary and secondary beams as well. Therefore, it is essential to view the design holistically, understanding how they can work together rather than individually. Using an appropriate software package, allowed Gemma Design to do so.

Aston Martin Dealership 

To see the new dealership for yourself, the address is Vantage Point, Cribbs Causeway, BS10 7TU or visit their website for more details: http://www.dicklovett.co.uk/aston-martin/