Roofing that withstands the toughest climate change conditions

“We are always challenging ourselves to make the impossible possible and realize our dreams while imagining the happiness of the people who gather under our roof.”

Motokatsu Funaki, Chairman and Representative Director, Gantan Beauty Industry

First established more than 50 years ago, Gantan Beauty is a research and development-oriented metal roofing manufacturer with a striking portfolio of accomplishments.

The firm prioritizes product development with a focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy and disaster resilience.

As Company President Seigo Kato explains, this is in no small part due to prevailing domestic conditions: “Today one of the main challenges faced by construction companies is the impact of global warming on building materials. Natural disasters like high temperatures, strong winds, typhoons, hurricanes and tornadoes can compromise the integrity of construction materials, especially roofs.”

Chairman and Representative Director, Mr. Motokatsu Funaki, picks up the thread: “Our company has developed roof systems with earthquake and fire resistance. Our high-performance metal roofs excel in strength and durability, minimizing damage risks even during repeated disasters.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly for a firm whose name is derived from the Japanese word for the first day of the year, Gantan Beauty is not only renowned for pursuing innovation, but also has a proven track record in developing both pioneering and aesthetically pleasing roofing solutions.

The company’s roofs, including ‘Beauty Roof L200’, offer a state-of-the-art stable roofing system that differs from conventional systems, which often have loose connections between roofs and buildings. The technology is highly reliable and has been successfully deployed in numerous projects and buildings, including universities in Okinawa and art museums in Kyoto.

Another innovation is a new roof replacement system with flexible scaffolding. Changes to roof and gutters can be complex and expensive, particularly as in densely populated areas space is often limited. Instead of installing scaffolding on the sides of a building, therefore, Gantan Beauty’s new technology is designed to be installed on the roof.

Mr. Funaki again: “We have incorporated a movable gondola lift with a ladder on the side of the building, allowing easy access to any part of the roof that needs repair or replacement. The system provides spacious and safe maneuverability, catering to the needs of the elderly and addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry.”

And the future looks bright, with the company planning to establish a new research and development center.

“The facility,” Mr. Funaki confirms, “will serve as a crucial hub for collecting valuable information and strengthening our existing knowledge base. Knowledge that will drive our efforts to develop cutting-edge technological solutions, whether it’s for renovating residential roofs, installing solar panels on roofs or designing rain gutters that can prevent the accumulation of fallen leaves.”

With a portfolio of accomplishments that includes work on the Zojoji temple and the Nippon Budokan, it is little wonder that there is increasing international demand for the company’s products.

Indeed, thanks to its proven resilience, there are opportunities for the company to expand its roof reinforcement technology to Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia which are similarly prone to seismic activity and natural disasters.

“We welcome collaboration,” Mr. Funaki concludes, “with individuals or overseas organizations seeking to leverage our technology.”