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If you're thinking about building on uneven terrain, you've likely come across various home designs. However, split-level homes provide one of the most efficient and eco-friendly options for sloped land. While sloping sites often offer stunning views, lower land costs, and easy availability, they can present challenges without the right builder or design. We have created a range of split-level home designs specifically designed to deliver the most effective and sustainable solution for building on sloping blocks.

The Evolution of Split-Level Homes

Split-level homes are believed to have been influenced by ranch-style homes and horizontal Prairie residences, designed to divide public and private spaces using short, intermediate levels.

These homes became popular in the 1950s and reached their peak in the 1970s, partly due to their prominent appearance in the iconic television show "The Brady Bunch." Recently, this architectural style has seen a resurgence in Australia, largely due to the availability of suitable land for such construction.

Versatility at Its Best

Split-level homes offer the ability to create numerous private spaces within a single dwelling, maintaining clear distinctions between different areas. With thoughtful design choices, they can also make the most of your land’s natural features, such as views and terrain. By blending with the land’s characteristics, you can minimize costs while maximizing the unique charm that attracted you to the property in the first place.

Choosing the Right Design

Before constructing on a split-level block, buyers need to understand the complexities involved in designing and building on sloped land. Many people purchase sloping sites without fully grasping the challenges that come with building on a slope compared to a flat site, leading to complications during construction. While buyers may have a general idea of how they want the home to look and function, any design changes must always consider the site’s features. This ensures a cost-effective build that makes the most of the natural landscape.

Selecting a design that complements both the land and the home will lead to a smoother building process and a better final result. Ultimately, designing a house that works with the slope of the site often results in a more sustainable, functional, and cost-efficient home. Buyers will need to collaborate with builders to ensure the split-level design works with the land’s slope.

Partial Split Homes feature one or more small splits that follow the site’s slope, reducing the need for extra site work, such as retaining walls, that would otherwise be required to level the land. A small set of stairs between levels can create a more open feeling with higher ceilings, ideal for living areas, depending on the slope's direction.

Half Split Homes are designed for moderate slopes, requiring half a flight of stairs between floor levels. These homes typically have at least three levels and can be placed on sites that slope down, up, or across. They offer separation between private and living areas, allowing for specific zones on each floor level.

Full Split Homes are designed for steep sites and require a full set of stairs between floor levels, creating at least two levels. This design typically results in a two-story structure at the front, rear, or side of the home. These homes often place the main living areas on the upper floors to take advantage of views, while lower levels are used for entry, garages, or additional bedrooms, as well as spaces for kids or guests.