Pretoria, South Africa (September 30, 2025) – The Exemplar REITail Head Office in Pretoria sets a new benchmark for sustainable, high-performance architecture in the commercial property sector. Developed by Exemplar, a listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) renowned for pioneering retail spaces in underserviced township and rural areas, the project demonstrates how contemporary architecture and innovative composite materials can exemplify sustainability, durability, and natural elegance.
VISION OF MODERN COUNTRY ELEGANCE
Exemplar’s leadership sought a space that would break away from the cold, clinical character of many corporate offices. Instead, they envisioned a headquarters that reflected their rural roots, blending modern elegance with farm-style familiarity and comfort.
Designed by Living Planet Architects and delivered in partnership with Modern Age Design, the 1,500m² headquarters blends farm-style charm with cutting-edge materials. High-pitched barn-style roofing, arched interiors, and natural stone finishes provide a warm, inviting aesthetic while maintaining modern efficiency and functionality. Passive design strategies, including natural ventilation and lighting, shading, and energy-efficient materials, reduce the building’s environmental footprint.
EVA-LAST: DELIVERING PERFORMANCE AND BEAUTY
At the heart of the project lies Eva-Last’s Infinity bamboo composite decking and Lifespan architectural beams. These advanced building materials were selected for their lightweight strength, low maintenance, and authentic timber-like appearance. Unlike traditional wood, Eva-Last composites offer superior resistance to warping, weathering, and pests, ensuring both structural integrity and enduring beauty.
“The brief was to look and feel as natural as possible,” said Hein Jansen from Modern Age Design, the project partner responsible for the building’s structural details.
“We had to find the right materials not only with the right timber finish, but also with the structural integrity for installations at such heights. Eva-Last products delivered on every front.”
Lifespan beams, installed across the soaring arches that book-end the A-frame windows, shady pergola, and timber-look screens, shutters and decorative soffit ceiling inside, replicate the look of wood but with far superior durability. Engineered with a lightweight aluminium core and coated with a protective polymer outer, the reinforced beams resist warping, buckling, UV damage, pests, and moisture. Their structural strength and stability makes them ideal for overhead applications where traditional timber would require constant upkeep.
“Special brackets were manufactured to join the beams, and we assembled the arches off-site, reducing our time on site substantially,” he recalled.
The headquarters’ outdoor entertainment area, meanwhile, features a shady patio with Eva-Last’s Infinity bamboo composite decking. The Swiss Oak coloured composite boards complement the building’s earthy tones while echoing the natural surroundings to seamlessly integrate indoors and out.
“Eva-Last were extremely helpful in bringing this project to life. Their products allowed us to achieve the soft, natural timber finish we wanted, but with the confidence that they won’t compromise the structure’s integrity, would weather well and look the same as the day they were installed,” said Jansen.
Every detail of the headquarters underscores Exemplar’s dual mission: to build world-class infrastructure while uplifting local economies. As a REIT that owns and operates over 27 township malls across South Africa, Exemplar continues to lead by example, showcasing what’s possible when innovative design, advanced materials, and community-focused values align.
For more information on Eva-Last bamboo composite building products, please visit www.eva-last.co.za
About Eva-Last®
Eva-Last is a globally recognised and trusted brand that manufactures and distributes specialised bamboo composite building products. Together with a wide range of advanced decking, cladding, fencing, architectural beams, fasteners and flooring products, Eva-Last also offers specialised support systems and expert advice, ensuring each and every build is designed to last. Eva-Last composite products and complimentary systems can be found in over 30 countries globally and have been an imperative part of some of the world’s largest building projects. As a global leader in composite building technology, Eva-Last ensures product quality and customer satisfaction with class-leading warranties. For the latest news, please follow Eva-Last on Facebook (Eva-Last Global), Instagram (evalastglobal), X (EvaLastGlobal), LinkedIn (Eva-Last Global),Flickr (Eva-Last), and Pinterest (EvaLastDecking), or view the brand's YouTube channel (EvaLast Global) for product information and installation guidelines.