When Mercedes-Benz embarked on their goal of creating the finest warehouse in the world, it was only natural that the sleek and classic beauty of the company’s W125 Silver Arrow racing car would inspire its architecture. Because KSS Architects believes a warehouse could become a celebration in design, the building expresses the Mercedes-Benz aesthetic in an entirely new scale, redefining the standards of industrial architecture.
The distribution center accomplished many “firsts.” Programmatically, it is the first to receive any part shipped from Europe to the U.S. As the first building to occupy the industrial development park at New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 7A, it had to be perfectly oriented on the site to create a lasting impression on the public. Perforated stainless steel screens and decks layered on a natural metallic skin facade reference the machine aesthetic of Mercedes-Benz. The warehouse provides ample natural light through skylights, clerestory windows, and glass panels. Local residents, once concerned about the distribution center in their neighborhood, now celebrate it as a symbol of economical and elegant success.
