United Oil Station

The station is located at the corner of La Brea and Slauson Avenues in the Mid-City/Ladera Heights neighbourhood of Los Angeles. It integrates a 12-pump petrol station, a mini-market and a car wash on a 630 m² site.

Kanner Architects designed two expansive structures reminiscent of Southern California's famous freeway interchanges: a concrete ramp system that leads over the market and to the car wash. A curved metal structure that extends over the market and becomes a nine-metre-high canopy over the petrol pumps. These architectural elements give the building the feel of a moving, light airport roof, with V-shaped supports that convey transparency and dynamism.

Special attention was paid to the materials: a translucent profiled glass tower envelops the cash register tower in the mini-market, reminiscent of the oil tanks found in the surrounding hills. Stainless steel accents, neon tubes, bollards and digital pump displays were designed by the architectural firm itself to ensure that every element contributes to the overall concept.

The station sells around 57,000 litres of petrol per day – significantly more than the average of 15,000 litres at similar petrol stations. The striking, futuristic design attracts customers and sets the station apart from its competitors.