Renovation Reveal: How Decorative Mouldings Transformed a Commercial Property
When a property management company approached Decoteq about updating their 1980s office block in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, the building was functional but utterly forgettable. The flat, featureless façade did nothing to attract premium tenants or reflect the quality of the businesses inside.
The Challenge: Adding Character Without Major Structural Work
The building owners wanted to increase rental appeal and property value, but traditional architectural upgrades would have been prohibitively expensive and disruptive to existing tenants. The solution needed to be cost-effective, quick to install, and transformative.
Decoteq’s lightweight EPS polystyrene mouldings offered the perfect solution. Because they’re non-load-bearing and purely decorative, installation didn’t require structural engineering approvals or extensive scaffolding time.
The Transformation: Strategic Moulding Placement
The renovation team used three key Decoteq products:
- Crown profiles at the roofline to create visual definition between building and sky
- Window trims around every window opening to break up the flat expanse of wall
- Cornices at intervals to create horizontal banding that added rhythm and visual interest
All mouldings were finished with UV-resistant primer and a neutral exterior topcoat that complemented the building’s refreshed paint scheme. The entire installation took under two weeks, with minimal disruption to tenants.
The Results: Measurable Impact
The before-and-after difference was remarkable. What was once a forgettable box now presented as a considered, upmarket commercial space. The property manager reported increased enquiries from prospective tenants within weeks of completion, and two vacant units were leased at higher rates than previously achieved.
The lightweight nature of Decoteq’s EPS mouldings meant no additional structural load, while the protective coating ensures the transformation will endure South Africa’s harsh sun and weather conditions for years to come.
Consider Decorative Mouldings for Your Commercial Project
Whether you’re managing office parks, retail centres, or multi-unit residential buildings, decorative mouldings offer a cost-effective way to enhance property appeal and value. For technical advice on commercial applications, contact the Decoteq team at office@decoteq.co.za or 0722200144, or explore our full product range at decoteq.co.za.