Audi Lighthouse

A New Typology

Location
Sydney, Australia
Status
Completed 2010
Client
Audi Australia
Type
Transport, Logistics & Infrastructure

The traditional car showroom is only suited to low-density suburban sites.

Audi envisioned a new typology – a multi storey structure that could consolidate their diverse operations within a compact inner-urban site including: New & Used Car Galleries; Offices; public Café; Conference and Training spaces; Workshop and Head Office facilities.

Interpreted from the Allmann Sattler Wappner conceptual approach, the scheme is conceived as a simple, rectangular building counterpointed by dynamic curved showrooms and threaded by a coiled vehicle ramp which uniquely provides vehicle access to all levels; basement to rooftop.The spatial interconnectivity and complexity has produced a vital and active experience with a high-level of amenity and an interesting sequence of unexpected and dynamic spaces to delight the visitor.

This stunning building is a place to experience the world of Audi. It is much more than ‘just’ a dealership: we will host art exhibitions, press and public events, musical performances, meetings and training sessions, ensuring this building is always full of activity and life – a shining example of the Audi brand – quite literally a ‘lighthouse’.

Joerg Hofmann
Managing Director
Audi Australia

Sustainable design initiatives ranging from urban to technical include the efficient use of a compact, inner-urban site; modular, adaptable planning; durable material selection; zero-water workshop; rainwater harvesting and recycling; and innovative facade design and planning that enables natural ventilation to over 50 per cent of the building — a significant achievement for this building typology.

Commercial Architecture Award
Jury Citation, AIA NSW Awards, 2010

The project set a new benchmark for Audi’s showrooms worldwide; exerting a knock-on influence internationally. The architects here have achieved durability, quality and performance through design and engineering excellence; a philosophy strongly in sync with the client’s product.

 

Commercial Architecture Award
Jury Citation, AIA NSW Awards

2010
Architecture Award for Commercial Architecture and Commendation for Interior Architecture, NSW Architecture Awards

JPW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and honours their continuing connection to lands, waters, skies and communities.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging – as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work; and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation on whose land our Studio is located.