Datacentrix
Striking Exterior Upgrade for IT OfficesJohannesburg
Trend Group delivered a high-impact building exterior upgrade and façade refurbishment for Datacentrix, a leading IT systems company. This technically complex exterior refurbishment demonstrates Trend Group’s broader design and build capability, delivering a striking, brand-led commercial façade. Located prominently along a busy city highway, the upgrade enhances visibility and long-term durability through the installation of vertical aluminium fins, integrated LED lighting, and more.
Trend Group worked to deliver the building exterior upgrade for Datacentrix, a leading hybrid IT systems integrator and managed services provider. The project focused exclusively on exterior works, transforming a practical but dated office block into a striking, clearly branded building that makes a strong first impression and reflects the business inside.
The design concept was developed by Michaletos Architects, who led the design vision and quality control for the project. Trend Group worked in close collaboration with the architect to translate the approved concept and façade design into a technically resolved and carefully executed external refurbishment.
High-Impact Exteriors
The brief centred on reworking the building’s exterior to create a bold, eye-catching façade that would represent the Datacentrix brand. Positioned directly alongside the N1 highway, the building sits within a popular commute route and the idea was to make a strong visual impact from the road. Trend Group’s role was to deliver the approved façade works, coordinating alongside the landlord’s parallel parking upgrades, for an overall improvement to the office block.
Trend Group delivered the implementation of the new façade, including vertical aluminium fins, screening, cladding, and associated external finishes. The scope of works also included the construction of a new entrance canopy and supporting aluminium and paintwork to complete the upgraded exterior. The project also included upgrades to the front section of the building, incorporating new large planters, updated passage tiling, and bench seating, made from durable plastic decking with a timber-look finish.
Design Features & Materials
A defining feature of the refurbishment is the aluminium façade fin system, which introduces depth and rhythm to the building envelope while reinforcing a strong branded presence. The fins were spray-painted using automotive-grade paint to achieve colours aligned with Datacentrix’s corporate identity. Integrated IP65-rated LED strip lighting was surface-mounted within the façade, creating a vertical lighting effect that enhances the building’s visibility after dark. The existing Datacentrix logo signage was repurposed and reinstated as part of the refreshed exterior.
Excellence in Delivery
The project was delivered in a fully live environment, with the building remaining operational throughout construction. This required careful coordination, particularly around access and working alongside occupied parking areas. A key technical challenge involved accessing the building externally to install the façade elements. The aluminium fins were substantial in scale, weighing approximately 250 kg each, and were installed at heights of up to ±10 metres, spanning two floors above a basement level.
Detailed planning and close coordination were required to safely and accurately attach the fins to the existing structure. All materials were selected to perform in an external environment, with durability, weather resistance, and waterproofing forming core considerations throughout the delivery.
Elevated First Impressions
The completed façade has significantly elevated the building’s presence, particularly given its prominent position along the N1. The upgraded exterior is highly visible both during the day and at night, and has been well received by the client, with the building attracting strong positive feedback for its refreshed, modern, and branded appearance.
Within Trend Group’s portfolio, the Datacentrix project represents a notable exterior delivery. While Trend Group has completed external projects previously, this refurbishment involved a larger scope and increased technical complexity, making it one of the more substantial façade-focused projects undertaken by the team to date.
