BMW SHOWROOM ROOF

Roger Associates conceived the translucent roof to this top end BMW Showroom as a very large voluminous space that would enhance the credibility of the expensive cars inside. The apex of the tensile roof is 18 metres above the floor level, and the 5 metre diameter glazed head ring at the top lets in a beacon of direct sunlight to the light and airy space below. The single cone-shaped roof is 50 x 35 metres in plan, and is supported by a solitary steel lattice column in the centre. This lattice column does not go to ground, but forms a feature in the circular stairwell to the floors below, where it is supported by 6 hanger rods. This roof is an example of the high efficiency of fabric as a structural material – the membrane spans 35 metres from the centre mast to the edge without any additional supporting members.