Toyota garage, Hastings, East Sussex

Client: Marchants Builders
Architect: David Foster Associates
Fabricator: Feature Architectural Fabrications
Type of works: supply of Comar 6 and 7 for 100m² glazed façade.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems and Comar approved fabricator, Feature Architectural Fabrications, recently completed this Toyota branded showroom in Hastings, East Sussex. Feature Architectural Fabrications, liaising with Comar’s Technical Department, fabricated and installed the 100m² glazed façade.

The design brief demanded that the showroom should be in line with the Toyota Nationwide brand guidelines as well as be adapted to sympathise with the local setting. Feature Architectural Fabrications was involved from the outset, working closely with David Foster Associates on wind loadings and U-values and offered design advice throughout the tender process.

The main feature of the building was the expansive glazed screen along the focal elevations. This was achieved with Comar 6 curtain walling. In order to achieve a precise finish and cater for building tolerances, stick-build Comar 6 curtain walling was assembled on site. Special bullnose transom cover capping was used to enhance the horizontal lines throughout the façade. For purposes of reducing solar gain and glare, solar-control glass panes were installed into Comar 6.

For the entrance, Comar 7 automatic sliding doors were hung onto Comar 6 curtain walling. Comar systems total integration means that the slim 50mm sight-lines were standardised throughout the glazed envelope, maximising daylight into the building. This is an imperative and fundamental design requirement in showrooms; vehicles must be well lit and visible to prospective clients. In line with Toyota’s brand guidelines, all aluminium framing was polyester powder coated to standard Grey RAL colour.