Our mission has always been to empower our partners to build better, smarter, and faster, and we’re proud of our Design-Make-Build methodology.
Traditionally, the construction industry has been hampered by inefficiencies, delays, and waste. While off-site construction has been around for a while, it’s only now gaining traction as a viable mainstream method. MiTek’s Design-Make-Build isn’t just keeping pace with these changes; it’s setting the standard for what modern construction should look like. By integrating advanced software, automation, and engineered systems, this unified approach redefines how buildings are conceived and constructed.
At its core, Design-Make-Build brings people and technology together, opening up new possibilities for what can be achieved in construction and paving the way for sustainable and cost-effective building practices.
Design
In the Design phase, architects and engineers can leverage MiTek’s tools to holistically evaluate a project. This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for efficiency. By embedding off-site construction methods at this early stage, we’re not just planning for a build; we’re crafting a strategy that minimises waste, reduces costs, and optimises the entire process. The foresight offered by this phase means that every subsequent step is meticulously planned and executed, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to completion.
Make
When we move to the Make phase, we bring in the muscle of off-site automation. This is where high-quality components are manufactured with precision and speed. MiTek’s collaboration with hundreds of component manufacturers means every part fits perfectly when it arrives on site. It’s not just about producing parts; it’s about producing parts that are ready to assemble, reducing on-site labour and accelerating project timelines.
Build
The Build phase is where our methodology truly shines. With components designed and manufactured to exact specifications, the on-site assembly becomes a streamlined process. Materials are optimised, waste is minimised, and the time required on-site is significantly reduced. Roof trusses, wall panels, and floor joists are delivered ready to be installed.
Forward thinking solutions
Take our customer, Martek Roofing, for example. It has developed creative, cost-effective roofing structures for pioneering container supplier Container World by placing a metal roof over two parallel stacks of containers. The company used MiTek’s industry-leading tools to complete the project, which is a true demonstration of our Design-Make-Build principles.
Both MiTek’s PAMIR software and our Ultra-Span roof truss system played a key role in the realisation of the project.
Ultra-Span, our prefabricated light gauge roof truss system, was the ideal choice to create versatile shelters for the containers. It is lightweight and compact for easy handling and economic transportation. Engineered designs can also be calculated using MiTek’s PAMIR software.
This meant Martek Roofing was able to quickly adapt to challenges and develop solutions, revising designs with ease without holding up the works.
Such has been the success of the project that the design is going nationwide across Container World sites. The concept can also be used for all sorts of different buildings including workspaces, barns, storage units, and, potentially, even housing.
Sakkie Maritz, Chairman of Martek Roofing, said: “It’s a winning combination of talents, it means we can always get things to work. There’s picking the right materials, obviously; Ultra-Span is so lightweight, which can be a challenge as well as an advantage. But for this kind of application, it’s perfect.
“Then there’s PAMIR, which is absolutely awesome. I sent a customer her 3D designs while we were talking on the phone, she was speechless. There she was, out in the Bushveld some 200km from me in Polokwane, able to see a 3D design for her new roof in seconds. People love it.”
You can read more about the project with Martek Roofing here.
A vision for the future
Our Design-Make-Build methodology is more than a process – it’s a movement towards smarter, more sustainable building practices. By shifting decisions from the physical to the virtual realm, we can reduce waste and unlock greater value. This isn’t just the future of construction; it’s the present.
