Well and truly Framed

While the concrete stands and ETFE canopy are the more visible parts of Eden Park, the stadium also required extensive carpentry behind the scenes. Wallace Construction was contracted to provide all the external carpentry. Managing director Bruce Wallace says the work entailed constructing the framing for the cladding, diaphragm carpentry, video screens, coach and press boxes.

"The project included building the structural bracing/diaphragm ceiling component on each level, constructing the timber framing for the boxes that hold the large video screens, and building all the saligna timber bench seating for the stadium. One of the more time-consuming elements was creating the curved facades. These involved the fabrication of faceted pieces of multi-layered plywood to achieve the curve."

However, Wallace says the main challenge for the team was working to a short timeframe, which meant many decisions and building solutions needed to be resolved as work progressed.

"We worked closely with Fletcher site engineers and frequently referred back to the designers, but it was often a case of thinking on the spot to resolve problems as they occurred."

Wallace Construction is a specialist commercial carpentry firm, and is also a recognised fibre-cement cladding installer.

WALLACE CONSTRUCTION

PO Box 296 Porchester Rd, Takanini 2112Phone (09) 298 3630 Fax (09) 298 3630bwallace@wallacegroup.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas