Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/734400
OCTOBER 2016 | 65 RENDERING BY NORM LI ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS in the environmental responsibility approach to the build, says Darlene Gerhardt, owner, DG Interiors Design. "To save energy, VFDs [Variable Frequency Drive] were installed on some of the machinery within the building. The hoists on the fourth floor are embedded into the concrete floor so they don't leach water through to the showroom floor." An incredible amount of detail went into making the property look seamless and effortless for the delivery of service to customers. "Everyone worked to blend all of the branding requirements, the architecture and functionality of what is a very complex building," says Gerhardt. Incorporated into the interior design is an understated tile floor that blends well with the lighting, the cars, the sound system and the scale of the furniture. "This building is all about the wow factor, and the Audi colour pallet of white, black, grey and tungsten finishes was used to create a dramatic backdrop to the cars," she says. On the exterior, the standard Audi terminal cladding is a custom corrugated, perforated metal profile. "Audi Midtown is a sheer, layered building that feels like there is depth to it," says Gerhardt. "Visually, the interior unfolds to the constant movement of the surrounding highways within the city. It's all about positioning of colours, features and cars. During the day and night, people are able to see things clearly while driving past at 80 kilometres without having to interpret them." In the evening, the height of the building and its lighting serves as a beacon to those near the area. Jana Joyce, senior landscape architect and associate with MBTW Group noted the City of Toronto is quite aggressive in its requirements for green standards, what the face of the building looks like and how it addresses the street. "We wanted to create a setting for the building that tells a modern, contemporary story consistent with the Audi personality," she says. "The site landscaping is sustainable, meeting the city's requirements as well as achieving the low maintenance preferences of the client. The planting palette includes several drought tolerant and native plant species to reduce the need for irrigation and ensure long term sustainability." A LOCATION 175 Yorkland Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario OWNER/DEVELOPER Audi Midtown Toronto ARCHITECT Teeple Architects Inc. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Eastern Construction Company Ltd. STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Crossey Engineering Ltd. ELECTRICAL/SECURITY/ SPECIALTY LIGHTING CONSULTANT Mulvey & Banani International Inc. INTERIOR DESIGN DG Interiors Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT MBTW Group / W Architect Inc. TOTAL SIZE 80,000 square feet TOTAL COST $33 million Audi Midtown Toronto 1:34 PM Air Quality | Sound & Vibration | Sustainable Water | Wind & Climate Proud to be the Air Quality, Acoustics & Vibration Consultant for Audi Midtown Toronto Mechanical Design Consultants for Audi Midtown Toronto tel 416.497.3111 fax 416.497.7210 www.cel.ca Crossey engineering Ltd. Crossey Eng.indd 1 16-09-06 4:07 PM Proud of our involvement in the Audi Midtown Toronto project. Lighting Protection | Design | Installations 613-264-0456 www.burchelllightning.com Burchell.indd 1 16-09-08 3:38 PM Hay Decorating (1972) Co. Ltd. Commercial & Industrial Painting Contractors Proud to be part of the Manshield Construction Company team on the UWinnipeg Commons. Congratulations to the whole team! haydecorating@shaw.ca | www.haydecorating.ca Winnipeg 204-889-8527 | Brandon 204-727-2620 | Portage La Prairie 204-857-7236 Decorating.indd 1 16-09-07 3:12 PM