When seasonal Johannesburg downpours began leaking into the boardroom of Cashbuild’s corporate headquarters, it wasn’t just an inconvenience, it was a persistent problem that needed a permanent fix. The solution had to be robust, reliable, and in keeping with the building’s architectural appeal.
Cashbuild is a major player in the southern African building industry, selling materials direct to customers from 318 stores across South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, and Malawi. With a team of 6,046 people and a magnificent HQ in central Johannesburg, it’s a business built on strength, scale, and trust. That meant the fix for their flagship office had to meet the highest standards.
That’s when MRC Group, Africa’s leading complete building envelope specialist contractor, stepped in. Their brief was clear: deliver a turnkey solution that would stop the leaks for good and transform an under-used balcony into a fully functional, year-round space.
Engineering a watertight answer MRC’s concept centred on installing a canopy over the extended balcony, seamlessly tying into the existing roofline. A hot-rolled steel frame would form a heavyweight, stable base. But the real challenge was finding the right roofing structure; one that could span the full balcony width, resist Johannesburg’s seasonal high winds, and integrate flawlessly with the HQ’s aesthetics.
MiTek Ultra-Span light gauge steel trusses proved to be the ideal choice. Strong yet lightweight, they offered exceptional spanning capability without adding unnecessary load. Engineered using MiTek’s advanced PAMIR 3D design software, every component was modelled for accuracy before fabrication, allowing MRC and Cashbuild to visualise exactly how the canopy would integrate with the building.
Once manufactured, the trusses were delivered to site ready for quick, straightforward assembly atop the hot-rolled frame. Their strength and versatility meant they could easily accommodate the full roofing system, soffit, fascia, and guttering, delivering a permanent watertight canopy.
A lasting transformation once complete, the canopy will be a functional, durable, and visually seamless addition that enhances both the usability and longevity of Cashbuild’s HQ. Designed to deliver year-round weather protection, it will transform the balcony into a striking, practical space and bring an end to seasonal water ingress.
This project is a testament to the power of partnership. With MRC Group’s expertise in complete building envelope solutions and MiTek Ultra-Span’s proven performance, Cashbuild now enjoys absolute peace of mind and a balcony that’s as beautiful as it is practical.
From problem to permanent solution, that’s the MiTek difference.
