Volvo Showroom

Bells Motor Group are established Northampton Volvo dealers with a showroom on the Bedford Road in Northampton. The dealers are third generation and have been on this site since the 1960s.

However, as we all know, time moves on and every 10 or more years the major car companies demand that their dealers move with the times and revamp their premises. This often comes in a brand image that nowadays must be applied to their showrooms globally. Concept designers will dream up a fresh look for the brand applied to the perfect building, which will be a new rectangular box on a flat site most probably out of town. Once launched all of Volvo’s dealers are obliged to remodel their buildings accordingly.

But Bells premises are not like that, they are in a 1960s building, in town on a steeply slopped site. And that was the challenge given to MWK Architects to interpret the brand image and apply it to the refurbishment of this showroom.

A Seamless Exterior

The brand image called for a crisp white exterior with deep blue signage. To achieve this the exterior of the Volvo showroom was completely remodelled. MWK Architects proposed to realign and render the facade to create a simple and pristine ‘white box’ that aligns perfectly with Volvo’s corporate identity. The extensive use of exterior glazing and bespoke lighting transforms the building into a luminous showcase, allowing passersby to experience a dynamic view of a showroom that changes with the time of the day.

Inviting Interior Spaces

The remodelling of the showroom also extends to the interior. Stepping inside, customers are greeted by an interior that displays both sophistication and comfort. The spacious showroom is flooded with natural light, thanks to large planar glazing that maintains a visual connection with the bustling street.

MWK Architects designed the interior to ensure a positive and relaxed customer experience. Flexible waiting and working areas are seamlessly integrated, catering to the diverse needs of customers. Whether they’re waiting for their vehicle or utilizing the workspace for business, every aspect of the showroom is tailored to provide maximum comfort and convenience.

Customer-Centric Design

Understanding that a car dealership is not just about the cars but also about the experience, MWK Architects focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere. The layout is intuitive, guiding customers effortlessly through the various areas of the showroom. Comfortable seating, modern decor, and strategic lighting combine to create an environment that is both functional and inviting.

Enhancing Brand Identity

The showroom’s design also serves to reinforce the Volvo brand identity. The clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and high-quality finishes are all hallmarks of Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy. MWK Architects ensured that every detail, from the exterior facade to the interior furnishings, aligns with Volvo’s brand identity.

Conclusion

The refurbishment of the Bells Motor Volvo Northampton showroom by MWK Architects is a shining example of modern automotive retail design. It combines aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, creating a space that is as inviting as it is efficient. This state-of-the-art facility not only meets but exceeds customer expectations from the moment they walk through the doors.

For Bells it means that they have satisfied Volvo’s requirements and that they can continue to operate from their established site selling a brand to which they have been loyal for the last 40 years. It has also given their existing building a new lease of life and illustrates what can be achieved when a building is comprehensively remodelled.