Answers to Most Common Questions
Q: Why build with STEKO®?
A: STEKO® South America offers a Swiss Technical Supervisor on site during construction and:
- Saves time on the building site by improving efficiency and productivity
- Lower labor cost
- Reduces waste, no off-cuts!
- Can reduce planning time and logistics
- Architectural Freedom – any design possible
- Allows the buyer to obtain a more accurate budget
- Guarantees quality, strength and perfection every time
- Saves Energy Cost in the future
Q: How does STEKO® work?
A: STEKO® works in a similar way to Lego blocks. The core pieces are the modules, which come in a number of sizes. The modules are easy and systematically stacked on top of each other in an interlocking pattern and simply push-fitted together without the need for any fasteners or glue. A displacement-rigid connection between the individual wall modules is ensured through the interlocking of the special shaped bottom and top side of the element. In addition hardwood dowels are mounted inside the prefabricated connection assembly to guarantee alignment of the modules as well as compounded in horizontal direction.
Q: How long does it take to build a STEKO® house?
A: The actual construction does not take long at all. It is possible, once the foundation is ready, to build a house till lock up stage within a matter of days! But to be safe we suggest you allocate 1-2 weeks for the building process. From placing an order to receiving the modules takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Therefore it is not unreasonable to say you will be able to move into your STEKO® house within 3 months!
Q: How flexible can I be when designing my house?
A: STEKO® gives you complete design freedom and flexibility, even curved or beveled walls are possible! However, if you are looking to build using standard sized modules we recommend that you consider building within certain dimensions. If the height of your wall fits within an 8 cm grid, and the length within a 16 cm grid, you will not require custom made modules, which will help to keep costs down. If it is not possible to build within these limits we are always happy to make modules that specifically fit your needs.
Q: Is a STEKO® house safe against Termites?
A: The same termite prevention treatment that you would use on a traditional timber framed house is also required when building with STEKO®. Termites live in the ground, so the best way to prevent them from destroying your house is by using any number of termite prevention products. There are plenty of different choices on the market, with both chemical and natural options available.
Q: What is the cost compared to a wood frame or brick house?
A: It’s important to remember that quality never costs as much as it saves.
A typical STEKO® house will cost a similar amount to construct as a double brick house. However, when you build with STEKO® you will save time, reduce waste and will be able to enjoy a better insulated and cleaner living environment from the day you move in. STEKO® aims to create an affordable, sustainable and natural living space for the new generation of housing. You can call or email us today for a free consultation to discuss prices for your building plans.
Q: It’s made from wood? Do I have to worry about fire?
A: Despite being made from timber, STEKO® walls are remarkably retardant when faced with fire. When a STEKO® wall is exposed to fire, a layer of charcoal forms on the burning surface. It is this charred surface layer, which is the key to STEKO®’s fire resistance. A charred surface layer increases the likelihood of the walls surviving a fire as the inner core remains unaffected, allowing the building to maintain its strength and structural stability. The variety of timber, which STEKO® modules are manufactured from, are sustainable and sourced in the Baltics. Due to the cold climate, the grain of the timber is dense and therefore slow burning. It is important to note that the insulation material will also assist in preventing structural damage caused by fire. The STEKO® building system was developed, tested and approved together with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science (EMPA) in relation to stability, heat engineering, acoustics, fire, grading and earthquake resistance. (ETH/SFIT Zurich, EMPA)
If you don’t find what you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions.