When it comes to sloping blocks, opinions tend to differ. Some say it is a problem; others say it is a gift. While there are certain challenges in building a home on a sloping site, solutions are available to make the elevated block work in your favour. All you need are amazing house designs for a sloping block and an experienced builder.
The Perks of Building on a Sloping Block
Planning to buy a sloping site, but don’t know if that would be a smart decision? While flat blocks are easier to build on, sloping blocks also offer many advantages. Here are the top three:
1. Fantastic Views with Lots of Natural Light
Any property has a price, but the pleasant and enjoyable views of nature or the cityscape that sloping blocks provide are simply priceless. In addition to the sweeping, picture-perfect sights, the amount of natural light and ventilation a sloping location can give are also beneficial to the environment, as it can help you conserve energy. Discuss this with your builder to achieve an environmentally-aware home design.
2. Uniqueness and Character
If you are building a new home on a sloping block, you don’t need to pick a conventional house plan. In fact, conventional designs are discouraged due to its tendency to diminish the advantages of having a home on a sloping block in the first place. What the topography calls for is a multi-level home that will allow you to get creative with the design and express much of your character.
3. Affordability
Generally, the prices of sloping sites are cheaper than flat ones. This means you can save on the purchase price and, with those savings, you can cover the additional costs that come afterwards, such as landscaping.
Building Considerations
To guarantee efficiency when building on sloping block at a budget, there are significant factors that you should consider.
Cutting and filling may be necessary
Slopes can be downward, sideward, upward, or a combination of these types. The rise, or fall, of the slope, should be measured only if they are included within the building area, not the entire block. Depending on the angle and the gradient of the slope, your builder may need to trim the hillside to make a flat area, which will be used as the foundation of your new home. In addition to that, stilts may also be important in constructing the end of your property’s base. To make this possible, your builder may recommend retaining walls and displacing soil.
You and your home may be exposed to the elements
Typically, building on a flat site will have the benefit of being sheltered and protected by the natural topography, as other buildings on flat, developed areas can serve as windbreakers. On the other hand, if you build your new house on a hill, these defences may not be available, thus, making your property more vulnerable to the elements. With that being the case, the solution is to select your building materials wisely, especially if you are building a house in Perth, as it is the windiest city Down Under. Also, if you are planning to have a garden, you also need to take your trees and plants into consideration – will they be able to survive harsher weather conditions? Discuss your safety concerns with your builder for your peace of mind.
The drainage system can be complicated
When it comes to sloping land, drainage can be a tricky aspect compared to homes built on flat sites. This is because of the tendency of water to form pools and collect at the bottom of a steep elevation, which can then result in erosion. To prevent the occurrence of erosions, additional retaining walls may be required. Furthermore, if your sewage system is located uphill, it may be necessary to install a pump as well. On the other hand, if it is situated at the bottom of the slope, a drop manhole can be installed in place to slow down the flow of water. Talk with a builder who specialises in sloping block designs to ensure that these drainage factors are taken care of.
The cost will depend on your chosen builder
Homes on a sloping site have a reputation for being expensive due to the engineering problems they come with. But this isn’t always the case. The cost actually depends on the type of builder you hire. Volume builders use a sort of template for building homes on flat sites, which may be difficult to alter when used on a sloping block. They’re likely to get rid of the slope, which would mean another expense on your part. On the other hand, custom builders can customise any house designs and work with a sloping block is treated like working on flat sites. This means their rate will be more or less similar to flat block designs.
Ideal Sloping Block Home Designs
Indeed, sloping sites can be a lot of work, considering all the excavation, foundation, and landscaping necessities. It also requires great experience and skill, so you will need to find a reputable builder who can take care of everything a sloping block property needs. But, it can be your most cost-efficient choice that is worth all the effort; the solution lies in the design of your new home. The top three sloping block house designs include:
Basic stepped design
This plan consists of two levels; one will be placed on the lower area of the slope, while the other will be situated on higher ground. This is ideal for sloping blocks with a building platform that has a fall of a maximum of 2 metres.
Multi-stepped design
Going beyond the basic stepped design is the multi-stepped house plan, in which more than two levels are created to suit a fall that measures from 2 to 2.5 metres.
Split level design
Probably the most popular sloping block design, a split-level home consists of two separate levels. It can have a single storey entrance, with a double-storey level located at its rear, or vice versa. Split-level designs are recommended for a sloping site with a fall of over 3 metres.
Narrow blocks are also another interesting choice, find out more.
If you are thinking about building on a sloping block make sure that you speak to one of our expert phone consultants. With over 40 years of experience in new home building, they will be able to provide you with independent advice about your building project. Not all builders provide a split level or sloping block designs, but with iBuildNew, we can match you with only the right builder for the job. Call us on 1800 184 284 or book a call online.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
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