A Better Way for Building Understanding
The Step Up Philosophy
Step Up is driven by a deep understanding of building moisture management performance, principles, case study knowledge, in-situ and laboratory research conducted by leading institutes. Step Up is guided by a number of common-sense philosophies:
* Risk can only be minimised – never eliminated
* Building stakeholder relationships are ongoing – not one-off
* Building information should be transparent and layered – not hidden and reproduced
* Solutions are guided by underlying engineering, thermodynamics and physics – not approved documents
* Prevention, early detection and intervention of issues is paramount – not ignorance nor avoidance
Follow a world-leading group
Step Up is the outcome of on-site investigations and laboratory research overseen by members of Project M – a cross-disciplinary team of building surveyors, tradespeople, local authorities, staff and students of the University of Auckland striving for better building investigation and remediation techniques.
Break down the old paradigms
There are currently a number of ‘flat-earth’ paradigms in the industry by which proponents swear black-and-blue. The Step Up approach turns these concepts on their heads – and goes back towards what is practical, affordable and understandable – not just risk-avoidance or profiteering. Here are a few we have encountered:
Old Paradigm Reality Step Up Paradigm
Houses shouldn’t have rot Rot is a natural process of timber. Where there’s timber, there’s rot – always has, always will. How does rot inside my building affect its functionality? How do I minimise the risk of excessive fungal activity?
Houses shouldn’t leak All houses leak at some point, inside and out. Always have, always will. A leak is defined as an unwanted water intrusion. So long as we build around water, leaks will continue to happen How do I minimise the risks caused by leaks?
My house(s) doesn’t leak All houses experience problems from time to time. How is my house able to live out a useful, long lifetime?
“Right First Time” 95\% of buildings have problems to some degree or another during their lifetime. All non-living systems degrade immediately – and cannot compensate for minor issues. “Easy to continually review and improve.”
A Better Way for Building Together
With this new found understanding, we can achieve so much more in our built environment. We have put some goal posts up, and made some lines in the sand. Join us and together we can achieve the Step Up Vision & Objectives
Documents
* 5D’s Wall Mositure Guide
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