ᐅ Is a split-level design recommended for building on a sloped site?

Nicki21 schrieb:
This site has a slope of about 2.50m (8 feet) from front to back. The lot is 19m (62 feet) wide and 22.5m (74 feet) long. Because of the slope, we are now considering building our house using a split-level design.

If I roughly calculate, that would mean from about 13m (43 feet) of house depth, there is a half-story height difference front to back. In my view, that is borderline—meaning normal, undivided floors are still “acceptable,” but it definitely leans toward a split-level. My conclusion is: if you like the idea, go for it—otherwise, you can probably avoid being forced into it.

matte1987 schrieb:
I would only do something like this with an architect who already has experience with split-level designs.

Oh yes, absolutely. Otherwise, you might end up with outdated concepts from the ’70s or ’80s that are no longer suitable.

One problem with many split-level designs—and I think this is what tomtom79 refers to when saying the lot might be too small—is that conceptually, they are usually not small floors shifted by half a story. Rather, they often have floors “broken” in the middle, where the halves are offset by half a story, so you always have a staircase between the front and rear parts of what is conceptually the same level.

Because of this particular layout of circulation, these broken levels are often designed so that the room and the staircase flow into each other. To put it bluntly, it’s almost a stairwell with large landing areas. This then becomes an issue for KfW55 or higher energy efficiency standards. So, right from the start, this requires a professional.

Also, split-level houses are usually better suited to certain roof types than others: offset shed roofs are ideal, flat roofs work well, standard gable roofs are less suitable, and hip roofs are practically impossible on angled lots.

Dividing the spatial program becomes more challenging due to the proportions—even if you don’t place the staircase exactly in the middle (meaning front and rear halves being the same size).

Split-level can be a great basis for very individual house designs, but it definitely belongs in knowledgeable hands. And—some people just don’t like long hair—it should be something you either enjoy or at least don’t object to. In my opinion, this lot doesn’t “force” you into a split-level, it just strongly suggests, “give it a try.”

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

Thanks first of all for your answers. I will post our plan here then. Best regards

Nicki21 schrieb:
I will go ahead and share our plan here.

It’s best to start with the plot itself: plot with elevation points, aerial photo, excerpt from the zoning plan / development plan. That way, it’s easier to say exactly what is possible or “recommended” there.

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/