Re-roofing a Landmark: NJR Delivers Engineering Precision at NWU Auditorium
Re-roofing a Landmark: NJR Delivers Engineering Precision at NWU Auditorium
NJR Potchefstroom was recently commissioned by North-West University (NWU) to solve a persistent leak in the auditorium roof—a complex task due to the very low pitch of the existing structure. Rather than replace the roof entirely, the team opted to erect a new roof structure over the old one. This solution ensured minimal disruption to ongoing activities inside the auditorium.
In the absence of an appointed architect, NJR joined the design team directly, offering both product expertise and technical input. Our proposed light steel truss system was reviewed and approved by the project’s structural engineer.
The project posed significant engineering challenges. The 40-year-old auditorium had no CAD documentation—only original paper plans. The building’s large, kite-shaped roof spans 70 metres diagonally and 35 metres across the shorter axis, with perimeter wall heights reaching 12 metres.
To Accommodate the Shape and Pitch Requirements
NJR designed and supplied over 110 uniquely sized light steel trusses—some as deep as 2.5 metres. These were fabricated using NJR Steel’s light-gauge profiles, engineered to ensure structural integrity and water resistance.
The new trusses were integrated parallel to the existing roof structure, supported by custom girder trusses spaced at 1.2-metre intervals to evenly distribute loads.
All brackets used to mount the new structure were laser-cut, bent, and fabricated in-house. NJR’s top-hat roof battens provided both lateral bracing and secure fastening points for the roof sheets.
Precise Fitment & Streamlined Installation
On-site logistics were equally complex. Due to underground utilities and limited access, no cranes could be used. Materials—including pre-assembled trusses—were manually hoisted along the building’s side using ropes.
Despite the constraints, NJR ensured precise fitment and a streamlined installation. Light steel roofing screws were used to guarantee long-term durability under demanding conditions.
Heavy rainfall during the project added urgency, demanding rapid turnaround in both supply and installation.
Despite weather and access constraints, the NJR light-steel truss system proved ideal—lightweight yet structurally robust. Crucially, the new roof required no additional reinforcement to the existing structure, delivering an efficient and cost-effective solution.
TESTIMONIAL: NJR POTCHEFSTROOM – LIGHT STEEL TRUSS SUPPLIER.
"At Techno Structures, we've had the pleasure of working with NJR Potchefstroom since 2018, when they supplied light steel trusses for
our school roofing projects in Bona Bona, North West. Even then, their service and product quality stood out.
Fast forward to 2025, and NJR once again proved to be a reliable and capable partner on a far more complex project: the re-roofing of the
NWU Auditorium. This job involved significant challenges — limited site access, working at heights over 20 metres, and installing trusses
over 33 metres long, which had to be split into three sections.
What made a critical difference was NJR’s delivery of fully assembled trusses to site. This not only saved us considerable installation time
but also simplified lifting and handling at such extreme heights. Their precision manufacturing and attention to detail made it easier for
our team to safely and efficiently complete a highly technical installation.
We truly value NJR Potchefstroom’s consistency, quality, and deep understanding of site realities. They continue to be a trusted supplier
and an integral part of our light steel framing projects."
This project stands as another example of NJR Potchefstroom’s commitment to engineering innovation—transforming complex challenges into long-lasting, practical solutions.
