the PROJECT
Fisheries Museum – Maputo, Mozambique
A 40 m curved laminated timber roof delivered across borders with precision, persistence, and practical leadership.
Client: Teixeira Duarte – Engenharia e Construções
Recognition: SA Roofing Magazine
The Brief
The Fisheries Museum in Maputo, Mozambique, required a 40 m clear-span curved laminated timber roof. This high-spec engineered timber project demanded precise fabrication, seamless cross-border execution, and expert leadership to meet strict coastal and structural requirements.
In addition, the project required:
- Stainless-steel hardware for marine durability
- Coordination of extra-long roof sheets on site
- Compliance with export and inspection regulations
- Translation of drawings and approvals from Portuguese
As a result, we provided full end-to-end project management, from sourcing and manufacture to export, installation, and handover.
The Real Challenge
Many truss plants manage standard builds. However, few can execute a cross-border project with multiple compliance requirements, marine-grade materials, and precise curved trusses.
Consequently, we had to:
- Ensure structural accuracy across 40 m spans
- Handle logistics of H3-treated SA Pine Grade 7
- Manage export inspections and border clearance
- Coordinate on-site assembly with stainless-steel fixings
Meanwhile, clear communication and bilingual coordination were critical to avoid costly delays.
Leadership & Sales Approach
The enquiry originated from a Google Ads campaign targeting high-spec African timber projects. Then, I personally led the engagement. Furthermore, I established trust by providing transparent updates, technical explanations, and clear timelines.
As a result, we secured the contract by demonstrating our ability to manage the entire supply chain: sourcing, manufacture, export, installation, and handover.
Project completed while serving as Co-Owner & Managing Director of Braytons Timbers (1976–2019).
Our Solution
We applied a hands-on, precision-first approach:
Materials: Sourced large sections of certified SA Pine Grade 7, H3 treated with full documentation
Fabrication: Built a custom laminating bed for the exact roof radius; steel jigs ensured uniform trusses
Assembly: Produced each truss in five transportable sections and joined them on site with custom stainless plates
Logistics: Managed export permits, Department of Agriculture inspections, and border clearance
On-site operations: Coordinated rolling of ~45 m roof sheets using Safintra’s mobile mill under temporary import permits
Bilingual coordination: Translated key drawings to Portuguese to maintain accuracy
Ultimately, every inspection, every load, and every call contributed to a flawless delivery.
Execution on Site
We partnered with TDO Roofing (Portuguese-speaking) and Kaiden Projects (sheeting). At the same time, I made regular site visits to monitor progress, close communication gaps, and ensure smooth installation.
Two halls — the enclosed, air-conditioned display hall and the open boat hall — were erected simultaneously. As a result, cross-border logistics were optimized, saving time and ensuring structural continuity.
In the meantime, the team managed each truss lift, assembly, and connection carefully to prevent errors.
Outcome & Recognition
The project was delivered to engineering specification and on schedule.
- Recognized as the cover story in SA Roofing Magazine
- Remains a coastal landmark
- Demonstrates that disciplined planning, hands-on leadership, and cross-border teamwork can turn complex briefs into precise, elegant structures
Overall, this project proved what strategic execution and practical leadership can achieve.
Thinking About a Complex Timber Project?
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