projects
Featured Project Number 3: New and Used Car Autoplex, Heathfield, Ayr.
Client: Bridgend Group of Companies.
Budget: Approximately £800,000
Design Brief: Change of Use from (vacant) Cash and Carry with associated parking to form internal New and Used Car Showroom, Vehicle Aftersales facility, Vehicle Preparation Area and external Used Car display area.
The key consideration for this scheme was retaining as much of the existing concrete framed structure as possible. Offices and showrooms have largely been designed around the existing concrete framework. Due to the age and design of the existing structure however new structural steelwork had to be introduced over the New and Used Car Showroom Areas. The full height glazing needed to display the vehicles effectively punctured the existing structure and as a result new steelwork had to be introduced to brace and strengthen the building. Using this new structure to best advantage, the height of the glazing increases dramatically to afford the greatest exposure on to the adjacent Heathfield Road.
Externally the existing concrete panel façade is to be overclad using Corus Arcline Sheeting and Kingspan Micro-rib panels to create the striking modern look required of quality retail facilities.
Once again a SUDS drainage system has been utilised externally over the car park area. The use of a porous car park surface effectively reduces the volume of storm water run-off into the sewerage system by over seventy litres per second during storm conditions.
Works are due to be completed on site by April 2007.