BMW South Coast

Project evolution and challenges

Trend secured this prestigious project through an existing relationship with their residential sales division. Trend's competitive pricing and technical expertise impressed during multiple consultations, ultimately winning them the contract. Despite joining after the design phase, where specifications including structural steel details were already established, Trend's team demonstrated their adaptability and technical knowledge in meeting the project's demanding requirements.

Technical innovation 

The project required exceptional attention to detail, featuring extensive double glazing with specialised performance specifications. Certain glazing sections served dual purposes, functioning as balustrades for the second floor. The complex requirements of the project were overseen by Mike Palin, Sydney Commercial Manager at Trend, who worked closely with the construction team to ensure all technical specifications were met. "Mike would draw up shop drawings and would review them, and we’d go back and forth that way,” explains builder Daniel Castellano from Coastline Developments Australia. This collaborative approach proved particularly valuable in developing the external shading screens, where the Trend team worked directly with the engineers to create the design. “It was a team effort to get it all happening”, Daniel notes, highlighting the importance of these architectural elements in meeting BMW’s new design standards. The design, manufacture, and installation of the custom external shading screens demonstrated Trend’s capability to deliver bespoke solutions for architectural challenges.

Installation expertise

The installation phase presented unique challenges that required careful coordination and planning, thorough preparation was crucial to the project’s success. “This project was far from ‘standard’ or ‘off the shelf’. It required extremely high technical detail, and a very methodical approach to the installation,” explains Mike. The team’s systemic approach involved coordinating with multiple trades working simultaneously, while managing the complex logistical challenges of installing oversized frames in a constrained site environment on a key intersection in Wollongong. 

The scope of work extended beyond Trend’s standard glazing installation. The Trend team also oversaw the installation of other important elements like the three automatic doors from AutoIngress, a responsibility that proved valuable to the overall project flow. “It’s always good when you have one less thing to manage, and the contractor takes it on. Trend dealing with Ingress took the pressure off my back,” notes Daniel.

Quality and service

The builder’s feedback reflects Trend’s commitment to excellence in the commercial sector. Daniel says, “Mike’s very organised and a good manager. He made the job work. It would have been a different project without him.” This commitment to quality extends beyond project completion, with comprehensive warranties including 10 years on workmanship and 25 years on the custom external screens. Trend’s knowledge and expertise allowed the project to be completed to a high standard with Daniel saying he would “definitely recommend them” to others. 

At the time of completion, the showroom stands as one of only two BMW dealerships in Australia built to the manufacturer’s new exacting standards. With its capacity to hold up to 36 new cars (doubled from the previous premises), an expanded 300 square metre motorcycle department, and a significantly upgraded workshop, this facility represents a major leap forward for BMW’s presence in Wollongong. Trend’s contribution to this cutting-edge dealership underscores their position as a trusted partner in delivering sophisticated glazing solutions for prestigious commercial developments.