The Kenny's Auto-Center in Dietlikon has been shining in new splendour since the end of last year.

On the former factory site, there is now an ultra-modern Mercedes-Benz flagship store fully designed for sustainability. On average, the location will be CO2 neutral annually and will even be able to charge electric vehicles. In-house electricity is generated from 2000 m2 solar roof panels, which can yield a peak output of 500 kW. Renewable energies heat the building in the colder months via a geothermal heat pump, and surplus electricity can be fed into the local grid.

The 6,200 m2 innovative car centre offers several experiences, such as Kenny's café with an in-house barista, designed in cooperation with well-known Zurich restaurateurs from Raumzurich. Every new purchase receives a first-class delivery experience where new cars are presented with a unique light and music show.

The industrial roof construction with integrated daylight systems in the showroom is a unique eye-catcher.

Modernity meets tradition

However, it was a long way from the empty factory to the new car centre, and it was clear from the start that the conversion would require extensive building renovation.

The goal of the client and the planning team was a sustainable renovation that preserved the characteristics of the building and the industrial architecture. At the same time, the building was to meet the highest standards of resource and energy efficiency. The flagship store was to reflect the well-known Kenny's flair and the image and brands of Mercedes-Benz and smart.

In short, it was to represent the best of both worlds.

Since there was no heating or insulation in the façade of the former production facility, both had to be modernized during the refurbishment. Sandwich panels now provide insulation, reaching the necessary energy efficiency for the building. Another challenge was that the building is located directly on a main road, so the sound insulation of the façade, roof and skylight played an important role.

The original shed roof included skylights which were now yellowing and deteriorating with age. The skylights were essential in earlier years to illuminate the office and showroom spaces with daylight, therefore it was crucial that the skylights were to be replaced.

Continuous rooflights for renovations

To maintain the original roof construction frame and avoid adding excessive reinforcements, the Wetter Group was looking for a lightweight skylight system and found the ideal solution in the product range of VELUX Commercial.

Continuous plastic rooflights were deemed suitable due to the solution's low weight of 10kg/m², and in contrast to a glass system, did not require any additional reinforcements for the frames. The fall-through security of the plastic material was a second important factor, as this meant that further safety systems and the associated costs could be saved.

The system's high chemical resistance and mechanical load-bearing capacity are advantageous for workshops such as the Kennys Auto-Center, where work is regularly carried out with chemicals and solvents such as paints. In addition, VELUX Commercial continuous rooflights create daylight free of glare and hard shadows, thus ensuring homogeneous room lighting in the sales rooms.

In the Kennys Auto Centre, 46 elements with five venting rooflights were installed to supply fresh air to the building. The project design also included four skylight domes to provide lighting in areas not connected to the central shed roof, such as in parts of the workshop or the car wash.

Customers and employees can now enjoy a state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz showroom that has retained important elements of the building's original character. With the novel delivery and coffee bar implementation, this is undoubtedly a highlight in one of Switzerland's most innovative car centres.

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