A suspended concrete garage and car turntable solves a myriad of parking problems.
The construction of a suspended concrete garage, driveway and car turntable has proved to be an innovative solution for the owners of the Harbourside property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Located in Fairlight and backing onto North Harbour, this project presented a unique set of challenges for our experienced team.
This project undoubtedly showcases our ability to intersect engineering innovation with practical solutions.
STAGE 1
A unique set of parking challenges.
When garage access was revoked to create a public pathway at the rear of the property, the owners were confronted with a unique set of challenges that would solve their newly created parking and garaging dilemma.
Previously, the owners crossed public land to gain access to their garage and off-street parking. When this was converted into to a public pathway, removing access to the garage, an innovative solution had to be sought.
The solution was to utilise an existing driveway that was shared with a unit block next door and provide access to a new garage at the top of the property.
While this solved the access problem, the shared driveway was very narrow and could only accommodate one car at a time. The steep slope of the property also meant there was only enough room for the garage, without space for cars to turn around.
The solution… a car turntable!
The car turntable will allow the owners to drive, safely and directly, into the new garage and then use the turntable to turn their car around, without having to a complete a difficult multiple-point turn.
Innovative engineering of a suspended concrete slab garage.
The new suspended garage is designed to be an engineering masterpiece.
The narrow site and steep terrain required extensive excavation before we could begin construction.
Once excavation was completed, we installed Dincel retaining walls to secure the steep embankment and provide long-lasting structural support.
The new suspended garage will be supported by 6-metre high concrete columns, connecting it to the communal driveway.
A large storage area will be added behind the garage.
Garden landscaping and stair access.
Once the garage structure is complete, the area in front will undergo a transformation with landscaping and terracing.
Extensive Dincel retaining walls will be used to manage the steep terrain, cleverly concealed the steel excavated wall of soil.
And finally, the installation of a 6.5-metre concrete staircase that will connect the street and garage to the backyard.
STAGE 2
Construction update. Progress continues to June 2025.
We’ve returned to site at this challenging Fairlight property to continue the next phase of construction — the 40-metre steep concrete driveway, suspended dual garage slab, and car turntable installation.
With excavation and foundational work now complete, our focus has shifted to forming the suspended concrete slab and supporting driveway. Reinforced concrete columns are now in place to anchor the structure and safely support the new dual garage above the sloping site.
A car turntable for safe and functional access
Because of the steep gradient and narrow layout, a car turntable remains a vital part of the design. Once vehicles reach the garage, there’s no room to perform a multi-point turn. Reversing up the 40-metre drive would be not only impractical, but unsafe. With limited traction, most vehicles would struggle to ascend without wheel spin or losing control. The car turntable will allow for a simple, safe turnaround without compromising space or safety.
Crash barrier installed for maximum safety
At the sharp bend leading to the garage, we’ve commenced work on an exceptionally robust concrete crash barrier. Standing 1 metre high and 300mm wide, this barrier is specifically engineered to stop vehicles in the unlikely event of brake failure, preventing cars from careening off the steep drive into the house below. This safety feature is a critical part of the overall design given the steep site conditions.
Next steps: Concrete stairs leading down to the house.
Once the garage and driveway construction is complete, we’ll being work on the concrete stairs leading down to the home. These stairs will provide between the garage and the house below.
STAGE 3
Custom recessed car turntable installation
One of the most anticipated parts of this Fairlight project was the installation of the car turntable. For most residential designs, turntables are installed directly on top of the concrete slab. This creates a visible raised lip and a clear distinction between the turntable and the surrounding surface.
For this project, a far more sophisticated approach was taken. Our team designed and formed a custom 300mm recessed section within the suspended concrete slab to house the lower half of the turntable and its electronic components. This recess allowed the turntable installation team to set the circular mechanical system neatly inside the slab rather than above it.
Once the turntable was positioned and mechanically commissioned, we returned to site to pour the concrete infill slab around the perimeter. We also filled the turntable surface with concrete to match the surrounding slab. This creates the appearance of a completely seamless floor with no height variation, and the turntable becomes an understated architectural feature rather than a visible silver platform.
This concealed installation not only enhances the visual finish, it also creates a smoother and more practical parking experience. There is no raised edge for tyres to catch and no change in surface level to navigate. The owners can now drive directly into the garage, activate the turntable, and effortlessly rotate the vehicle to face forward for a safe and easy departure.
With the turntable installed and the slab work complete, this project has now reached completion. The new garage, driveway and turntable provide the owners with safe, functional and secure access to their property, solving a long standing parking challenge and improving day to day convenience for years to come.
Our expertise and involvement in this project is now complete.
Northern Beaches concreting
For all concreting and formworking projects, including suspended garages and car turntables, on the Northern Beaches, contact us for a competitive quote. With 40+ years of concreting experience, we bring extensive knowledge to any concrete and formwork project – including emergency and after hours jobs. We provide a high level of services and workmanship on all our projects, with attention to detail and a professional approach to every job. We are a friendly team, focused on our customers’ needs and satisfaction and getting the job done.
We have a local team of concreters, formworkers and steel fixers that are able to handle all residential and commercial projects, large and bespoke. We service the entire Sydney metropolitan area.
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