The History of Masterspec
By the early 1990s architectural practices were looking for a structured and flexible specification system to define the standard for documentation to meet New Zealand’s unique conditions and building systems. JASMAX, one of New Zealand’s largest multi-disciplined practices were looking for a specification method that could both reduce practice risk but supply more flexibility than the traditional trades-based specifications. However, these earlier specification formats were often made up of inconsistent and uncoordinated content, being written and maintained by individual practices with varying success.
After researching established international tools, JASMAX developed a new system for the unique challenges of the New Zealand construction sector. This was the newer CBI (Coordinated Building Information) format based on the early European CI/Sfb and then later CAWS (Common Arrangement of Work Sections) classification systems. CBI is a classification and coding system built specifically for the New Zealand construction environment.
As a classification system, it is designed by and for members of the New Zealand construction industry, to coordinate the five main information sources: drawings; specifications; quantities; technical and research information; trade information, and publications.
Initial practical application of this new CBI classification format included early JASMAX projects such as the Majestic Centre and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. With the proven establishment of the system other New Zealand practices became aware of the new classification tools and also adopted the format and specification content. With continued adoption of the specification by the construction sector it was decided that the CIL should be incorporated to continue to develop and maintain these systems for the industry as a whole.
The original ownership structure for CIL reflected the industry interest and needs and they included BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand), the NZIA (New Zealand Institute of Architects), and the Registered Master Builders (Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand Inc).