Masterimpact®-RH from Promat: an enhancement solution for the identity of the new BMW Mini dealership in Montpellier

A new emblematic setting which aims to be a real showcase of the technological know-how of the automobile brand. Over time, the old BMW Mini dealership had become less functional and no longer met the brand's requirements. The GRIM Group, concessionaire since 2008, then decided, in agreement with the management of BMW Group France, to move to the municipality of Lattes, at the western entrance to Montpellier, along the A9 motorway.

Located on a 27 m² site, the brand-new 900 m² building consists of two 4 m² exhibition halls for BMW and 250 m² for Mini, a 1 m² and 200 m² workshop administrative offices.

An avant-garde concept

The essence of the project drew its inspiration from the contextual transcription of the BMW universe. The building was to be a showcase for these cars characterized by their preciousness, their comfort and their luxury.

It took a strong gesture that also reflects the image of the brand's sportiness. To account for the movement, the structure is very long, following the dynamics of the road that borders the terrain. In order to intensify the speed effect, the roof becomes thinner and lower more and more towards the south.

With this architectural characteristic, the BMW dealership takes on a streamlined and aerodynamic appearance.

Designed by the architect, François Fontès, the new BMW Mini dealership takes the form of a huge glass and steel “bodywork” showroom in the spirit of the brand. Large bay windows allow you to see, from the outside, the different models exposed parallel to the road, and which thus benefit from maximum visibility.

These surfaces, composed of more than 1 m² of glazing stapled in a row, provide the eye with a flat perspective and bring clarity and transparency to the whole.

The steel cladding respects the color codes of each brand: black for Mini and gray for BMW. The combination of the two materials gives dynamism to the building and enhances the architecture.

An outdoor ceiling under shelter for resistance to any test

The prestige of the brand is mainly based on its ability to offer vehicles with very high quality standards. This requirement was also reflected in the choice of materials used for the building.

As the Languedoc-Roussillon region is particularly exposed to rain and bad weather, a 2 m² outdoor suspended ceiling under shelter, composed of MASTERIMPACT®-RH sheets from Promat, reinforces the stability of the roof.

These smooth-looking plates, measuring 2 mm x 600 mm, and only 1 mm thick, offer excellent resistance over time and ensure remarkable durability of the structure.

This autoclaved system, made of calcium silicate reinforced with cellulosic fibers, withstands the most difficult climatic conditions as well as the most aggressive environments (rain, hail, frost, strong winds), without deforming or cracking.

Rigid and at the same time particularly malleable, with a maximum radius of curvature of 9 meters, 400 m² of sheets were bent directly on site, in order to match the delicately rounded shapes of the roof and thus meet the architectural expectations of the building outside standards . This highly technical process retains its mechanical properties, even under specific stress, as was the case.

Despite the imposing surface area of ​​the cover, the implementation of MASTERIMPACT®-RH sheets was relatively easy, as Michel Nadal from SODAC can attest: “We were facing a serious time constraint since we only had two months to install the ceiling before the inauguration of the concession. It was "tense", to say the least. Fortunately, the Promat system is relatively easy to install and does not require any prior preparation, which saves considerable time in this type of situation. ”

This sub-ceiling, disbursed in one piece, is made up of a DONN® DX® Rapid'Fix® MC metal framework, directly attached to the primary structure in a steel tank, by 10 cm threaded rods. Each plate with tapered edges is pinned to the frame with HI LOW screws. This metal support is treated against corrosion. The space between the plates is filled with a MASTERJOINT® coating, to which is associated an additional protection, composed of a strip of glass grid which brings greater elasticity to the system.

In order to be in keeping with the brand's chic and elegant image, the architect François Fontès wanted to dress the ceiling with a microporous paint in a matt white color.

"Beyond the aesthetics requested, Promat responds with this single product, to complex problems, of mechanical resistance (linked to the wind speed which can reach 130 km / h) in order to guarantee the sustainability of the structure but also fire behavior. MASTERIMPACT®-RH sheets allow EI 60 fire resistance. In addition, subject to high humidity, they retain their performance and perfect dimensional stability. Validated by technical opinions, the system can also be used in seismic environments ” declares Julien Varajao Technical-Commercial Engineer Promat.

“It is an all-in-one product which also has the advantage of a classic and standard installation, both outdoors and indoors, whatever the environment, even the most aggressive” specifies Julien Varajao.

Like the BMW brand, Promat is known and recognized for its know-how. Indisputable expertise and quality products that make all the difference.