Full throttle

Spellbinding luxury and glamour define the new Ferrari showroom, but it's the hidden features that make it all possible. These include the car display ramps, which were built by Savcon Building.

Director Mario Savva says the timber ramps, which were covered in a special polymer coating, needed to be as strong as possible to take the weight of the cars.

"The main challenge was levelling the 330 timber joists on the existing concrete," he says. "The 6.7m-long joists needed to be scribed to the concrete so all the load would be transferred to the concrete, with no weak points."

Savva says laminated veneer lumber joists were used as this timber was available in 7m lengths.

"This timber is also engineered straight so it was easier to scribe to the concrete. And, because it is an engineered product, it won't shrink or move over time."

Plywood panels 32mm thick were then glued and screwed to the joists, with 84 screws for each panel. The screws were patched and sanded for the finish coating. For the curved pelmets on the ramps, Savcon specifically used bending plywood, as this was the only way to curve the precise radius required.

Savcon also built the timber stairs, which feature a composite hardwood another engineered product.

The director says Savcon is always willing to push the boundaries when it comes to providing innovative design and construction.

"We don't just handle everyday carpentry jobs," he says. "We have the skills and expertise to realise unique designs and concepts."

For details, contact Savcon Building, PO Box 353, Ramsgate, NSW 2217, phone 040 306 0088, fax (02) 9587 4220. Website: www.savcon.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas