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Reviving Heritage: Everite Building Products Leads Restoration of Muizenberg Beach Huts

Reviving Heritage: Everite Building Products Leads Restoration of Muizenberg Beach Huts

Reading time:

15 minutes

Everite Building Products was pivotal in revitalising one of Cape Town’s most iconic and beloved landmarks—the Muizenberg Beach Huts. Known for their vibrant colours and scenic location, these huts had long been a symbol of the coastal lifestyle, attracting visitors from around the globe.

The huts at Muizenberg Beach were more than just colourful backdrops for photographs; they were an integral part of the community’s heritage and tourist appeal. Built initially as changing rooms for beachgoers, these huts provided shelter and privacy for generations of families and surfers.

By 2017, it was clear that the wear and tear from the elements had taken a significant toll, pushing these structures to the brink of being safety hazards.

Faced with the deteriorating condition of these huts, the community, led by local resident and photographer Angela Gorman, rallied together with a shared determination to restore their beloved landmarks. Gorman, driven by her childhood memories and the community’s deep-rooted affection for these huts, initiated a public campaign on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, aptly named “Save Our Beach Huts.” This grassroots movement quickly gained momentum, drawing support from both local residents and international admirers, showcasing the community’s resilience and unity.

Gorman’s call to action was met with an outpouring of support, including materials, expertise, and labour donations. Everite Building Products stepped in with a crucial contribution—providing their Nutec fibre cement cladding, a material ideally suited for the challenging coastal environment.

everite muizenberg huts

Nutec products are known for their durability and fire, moisture, and rot resistance, making them ideal for outdoor applications like beach huts.

Nutec’s attributes include high-density and medium-density flat sheets, which allow for significant design flexibility and resilience. The smooth or textured finish of these sheets could be painted in vibrant colours to match the original aesthetic of the beach huts, preserving their iconic look while significantly enhancing their structural integrity. Moreover, Nutec Tongue & Groove, available in plain and realistic wood grain finishes, offered additional options for authentic yet durable exteriors.

Everite’s choice of Nutec was not just about restoring the huts but also a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable building practices. These fibre cement boards were made from safe, renewable fibres. They embodied the durability required to withstand the harsh seaside conditions, ensuring the longevity of the huts for future generations to enjoy.

The project officially began with the City of Cape Town’s approval, and renovations started in earnest in November. Local businesses and organisations, including Leith Roofing, Twin Coatings, and Prime Paint & Hardware, joined Everite in supporting Gorman’s vision. The Western Cape’s Master Builders Association contributed skilled labour, transforming the donation of materials into beautifully restored structures.

The collective effort of the community and its partners in the restoration project was not just about repairing the huts but about instilling a sense of stewardship and pride among locals and visitors alike. Gorman’s vision extended beyond the physical renovation; she aimed to foster ongoing community involvement in the maintenance and care of the huts, ensuring they remained a safe and vibrant part of Muizenberg’s seaside experience. This commitment to the huts’ future is a beacon of hope and optimism for the community, promising a brighter future for their beloved landmarks.

As renovations progressed, the community’s enthusiasm was palpable. Gorman reported that the first hut was completed shortly after work began, with plans to continue until all 31 huts were restored. This project proved to be a rallying point for the community, embodying the spirit of collaboration and preservation.

Everite’s involvement in the Muizenberg Beach Hut restoration was a shining example of how businesses can meaningfully engage with and support their communities.

By providing high-quality, sustainable building materials, Everite helped ensure that this cherished local landmark would endure and continue to make memories for locals and tourists alike.

This initiative highlighted Everite’s commitment to quality and sustainability and demonstrated how corporate responsibility can have a tangible, positive impact on community heritage and tourism.

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