Build Antique: 60 Years of Salvaging Architectural Treasures, Now Led by Giovanna Gerbi

Our take

For homeowners, renovators, and property developers in South Africa, architectural salvage is a niche but genuinely valuable resource — and Build Antique represents one of the more established players in this space. Reclaimed doors, windows, and timber elements can add authentic character to both period restorations and contemporary builds, often at a fraction of the cost of custom joinery, while also being the more environmentally conscious choice. Buyers and renovators tackling older homes — particularly in heritage-rich suburbs of Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Gqeberha — frequently struggle to source period-appropriate fittings. A business that restores rather than replaces is worth knowing about. Landlords upgrading rental properties could also find reclaimed timber features a practical differentiator in a competitive rental market. The human story here matters too: Giovanna Gerbi is a woman carrying forward a 60-year family legacy in a trade that is still male-dominated. That continuity and depth of expertise is precisely what distinguishes a specialist salvage business from a general hardware supplier. Worth bookmarking for your next renovation project.