Rise To The Occasion
According to Mark Wills, a split-level home has floors on different levels, from one pavilion space to another. “Split levels are quite common for Classic Building & Design, as the majority [of our projects use them] to make the design sympathetic to the topography of the site, or to add some visual interest,” he says. The merits of split-level designs are widely debated among professionals in the building industry. So how do you know if it’s right for you?
Upward Inclined
There are a number of potential benefits to implementing a split-level home design, from reducing overall building costs, to maximising the building’s height and views.
Slope
Designed in close relation to the slope of the land, split levels are best suited to steeper blocks, and can make the house appear as though it’s moulded into the hill. Split-level homes are also well suited to clients who are building in established areas along the coast and river, where the natural landscape can be impacted by underground rock or limestone. A split-level design reduces the need for cutting or filling, which can destabilise the general area. In essence, it eliminates the need to level the site, which can be quite costly. As a bonus, a split-level design – with its unique rise-and-fall appearance – will significantly increase a home’s character and add a point of difference.
Cost
Split-level homes are constructed much less regularly than slab design (aka single-storey) or traditional multi-storey homes due to the extensive costs involved in the construction stage. However, “split-level designs make sites that are difficult and costly to construct on more viable”, Wills says. If you’re building on a slope, implementing a split-level design will actually cost significantly less than undertaking extensive site works or constructing retaining walls, which would likely be required for a standard design. If you have a strict budget that cannot be negotiated, a split-level home won’t surprise you with hidden costs.
Layout And Accessibility
According to Wills, split-level homes are extremely unique in their “ability to create a [harmonious] relationship between the main living spaces – internal and external – and the soft, open landscape”. As a result, adequate solar access is maintained, which ensures a high level of comfort. Split-level homes are renowned for their well-balanced and distinct zones, which are perfect for a growing family. For example, the family room can double as a play area. Further, split-level homes usually have a flatter driveway, which provides easier access. Split levels are also ideal if you want to refrain from including a vast staircase/s in your design, and want to use smaller flights instead; according to Wills,
keeping the height of flights to half a staircase or less will disguise the change in levels.
Views
A split-level design is a good idea if you want to achieve a certain height or aspect view. “On steep sites, access to views or outlooks are more easily achieved than moderately sloping sites,” Wills says.
Space
“The layout of a split-level design is somewhat compartmentalised to enable the individual pavilions to rise in harmony with the topography,” Wills explains. “The use of open spaces and balustrades between levels can further enhance the ambience of the home.” Selecting a split-level design also allows for a larger backyard without having to compromise on the size of your home, which is ideal for those with pets, as well as those who plan to install a beautiful pool.
Upkeep And Adaptability
Designing your home to be more connected to the site will give you the ability to maintain its exterior more easily than if it soared high from the ground. In addition, “the landscaping of a sloping site is [often] far more appealing and creative than what can be achieved on a flat site”, Wills says. Split-level homes are also highly adaptable. While they aren’t typically adorned with ornate features, they do offer a clean slate and more customisation options. With an abundance of space, you have the ability to
upgrade and adapt your home however you want.
Uphill Battles
Split-level homes are known to be relatively challenging in their design and construction. If you’re considering a split-level design, it’s important to be aware of its unique features, and how these can be used to your advantage.
Flow
The main challenge of designing and constructing a split-level home is creating a smooth flow between the levels. For the best outcome, utilising open-plan sections in the design will make your home feel like it has more space.
Wills suggests paying special attention to ceiling heights to allow for cross-ventilation throughout the internal areas, which helps regulate the air temperature. “Split-level homes can increase ceiling height in a space without changing the ceiling line,” he says. “High ceilings are a recent trend and a split-level design can enhance this feature.”
Call In The Experts
Split-level homes usually feature more levels and steps than a standard design, which means they’ll require greater support. To ensure the construction process runs efficiently and smoothly, it’s important to select a designer and builder who have extensive
experience with split-level homes.
Heaven Ascent
If you’re building on a slope, it’s clear the benefits of implementing a split-level design are far greater than the challenges. Split-level homes are making a comeback, and with the above benefits combined, it’s easy to see why they’re becoming so popular among large families, and why they have stood the test of time since their rise to fame in the 1950s. Provided you take your time devising the layout and seek advice from a building professional, constructing and designing your split-level home will prove to be nothing but an elevating experience.