WHERE PRECISION TIMBER ROOFING ELEVATES ARCHITECTURAL VISION

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Located in the heart of Durbanville’s Heerenzicht Estate, this villa is a prime example of precision timber roof construction and refined architectural detailing. Designed by Wynand Wilsenach Architects and delivered by JNA Group’s roofing division, the project features sustainably sourced poplar timber, a bespoke exposed roof structure, and a red cement tiled roof,  all completed under a tight construction timeline with careful planning and expert craftsmanship.

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ABOUT THE ROOF - TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THE INSTALLATION

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The roof at Heerenzicht Villa was designed to be both structurally sound and aesthetically expressive. Featuring exposed poplar timber beams and custom timber ceilings, the entire structure was carefully detailed to align with the architect’s vision. All timber was sustainably harvested and custom-cut to meet the project’s architectural requirements.

The roof was finished with red cement roof tiles, chosen for their durability and alignment with the villa’s aesthetic. Due to the exposed nature of the structure, a high degree of accuracy and finish was essential. Every beam, connection, and fixing had to meet tight tolerances, with concealed hardware and precise spacing to ensure a clean, cohesive look that reflected the overall design intent.

 

ABOUT THE BUILDING PROCESS 

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With the December builder’s break approaching, the entire roofing system, from timber trusses to tiled finishes, had to be weather-tight and installed within a two-week window. To meet this tight deadline, all timber components were pre-cut and pre-assembled off-site by Cottonwood Sawmill. This off-site preparation significantly reduced on-site installation time and minimised potential delays.

Daily coordination and sequencing were key to maintaining momentum throughout the build. Teams were aligned to ensure that each phase progressed efficiently, allowing for smooth transitions from structure to finish without compromising quality.

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ABOUT THE SITE AND CHALLENGES 

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The greatest challenge on site was delivering the full roof structure within a compressed timeline. With no margin for delay, tight scheduling and seamless communication were critical.

JNA Group’s long-standing relationship with Cottonwood Sawmill ensured the continuous delivery of high-grade poplar timber, enabling the team to meet the programme without supply interruptions. The ability to coordinate logistics, materials, and manpower with precision was essential in keeping the project on track and delivering a high-end finish.

 

DEMONSTRATING THE TEAM'S CAPABILITIES TO REALISE THE ARCHITECT'S VISION

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Heerenzicht Villa is a clear reflection of JNA Group’s capability to execute timber-intensive, architecturally driven designs. Working alongside Wynand Wilsenach Architects, the team was tasked with delivering a refined exposed timber structure that feels both authentic and timeless.

With over 40 years of experience in timber construction, JNA Group brought deep technical knowledge and craftsmanship to the project. Their ability to problem-solve on both structural and aesthetic levels ensured that the architectural vision was fully realised without compromise. The finished structure stands as a testament to precision detailing, material honesty, and thoughtful execution.

 

TECHNIQUES IMPLEMENTED 

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To meet the project’s aesthetic and structural goals, a range of specialist techniques were applied:

• Pre-cutting and pre-assembly of all timber elements in a controlled off-site workshop

• Use of FSC-certified, sustainably sourced poplar timber

• Traditional carpentry methods integrated with modern fixing systems

• Delivery within a strict two-week construction programme

• Precision installation of all exposed components with concealed fixings and clean detailing

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The Heerenzicht Villa roof is more than a structural component, it is a defining architectural feature that showcases the successful integration of craftsmanship, sustainability, and performance. From the exposed timber detailing to the final tiled finish, every aspect of the roof reflects careful planning and expert execution.

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This project demonstrates what is possible when a clear architectural vision is paired with a skilled and experienced construction team.

 

PROJECT TEAM

• Architect: Wynand Wilsenach Architects

• Timber Construction & Roofing Contractor: JNA Group

• Timber Supplier: Cottonwood Sawmill

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