If you grew up around South East Queensland, there’s a good chance you’ve lived in a house on the hill at one time or another. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning one, BESA can make it happen.
Sloping blocks create unique opportunities for split-level homes that embrace your land’s natural contours instead of fighting against them. It might require careful planning, but you’ll end up with some amazing perks, like better views, more privacy, and street appeal that gets heads turning.
The right builder can turn any sloping block into your dream home, and BESA makes sure you don’t have to compromise on your vision. We design split-level homes that make the most of your property’s natural features, giving you a space to enjoy for years to come.
A sloping block presents the perfect chance to build a split-level home. These designs turn slopes into assets that create stunning, functional spaces.
Split-level homes should follow your land’s natural incline, which is a great approach in Brisbane and the Gold Coast where many suburbs have varied terrain. By embracing the block’s contours, these designs create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. It also gives you better natural ventilation, leading to a more environmentally responsible and comfortable home.
Building on a slope gives you the chance to capture beautiful views. Living areas can sit higher up for panoramic views, while bedrooms stay private on lower levels. The tiered design lets natural light flow through the home. Windows at different levels catch sunlight all day as your home steps up or down the slope, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
On some sites, the slope might be so severe that a split-level design becomes the only option, since the cost of excavation would be too expensive to consider. But for sites where excavation is possible, a split-level design can still be a better option compared to digging out a flat building platform on a slope. A conventional home on a sloping site needs:
Split-level homes minimise earthworks and often eliminate large retaining walls by working with your site’s natural topography.
Split-level home designs come in all shapes and sizes to handle different slope conditions. Here at BESA, we help you make better choices about your home design by taking you through the options and showing you how they match your block’s needs.
Partial split designs work great on blocks with gentle slopes. These homes use small splits that follow your land’s natural slope. Small sets of stairs connect different levels, which creates an open atmosphere and higher ceilings in your living spaces.
Half-split designs shine on blocks with moderate slopes. These homes usually have at least three floors, and you’ll climb about half a flight of stairs between each level. Each floor level becomes its own zone, making it perfect for families who want more flexibility and separation between private and living areas.
Steep sites need full split designs with a complete set of stairs between levels. Your main living spaces sit on upper floors so you can make the most of the views, while the lower levels work best for your entry, garage, or extra bedrooms. This design lets you take advantage of height while keeping everything accessible.
If you have a complex site, you might want to consider a multi-split design that includes several level changes. These layouts follow your land’s contours while keeping all areas connected smoothly.
It might be hard to visualise how a home can be tailored to your site, but that’s where the design experts at BESA come in. We’ll help you see what we see, giving you all the creature comforts you want without the added expense of levelling a sloping site.
Split-level designs shine in their ability to adapt to your unique way of living, giving you natural ways to create spaces that complement your lifestyle.
Split-level homes create natural divides for different activities. People on different schedules or in multi-generational households won’t have to worry as much about noise since it doesn’t travel between zones, and you’ll have dedicated areas for work, leisure, and rest.
Large windows and multiple access points to exterior spaces blend indoor and outdoor living naturally. The best split levels feature balconies and decks you can reach right from your main living areas, letting you enjoy our beautiful Queensland climate all year.
Split-level designs create fascinating multi-dimensional views throughout your house. Living areas with higher ceilings give you an open, spacious feel, and the sight lines between different levels help your family stay connected across spaces.
Your split-level home opens up smart storage options in spaces that single-level designs might waste. The area under your stairs can become a cosy reading nook, wine storage, or house built-in drawers for seasonal items.
Smart split-level design reflects how families live today. A parent’s retreat works best on its own level and gives you natural separation from the kids’ areas.
Building on a sloping block starts with proper planning. A good understanding of your site’s unique challenges will save time and money throughout the construction process. As the experts in Brisbane custom homes, BESA can help you with a split-level design that suits your lifestyle and your budget.
Your slope’s gradient and direction are vital to select the right design. Gentle slopes (under 10%) need minor modifications, while steep gradients demand larger adjustments. Blocks that fall from the road make driveway access simpler, but rising slopes often need retaining walls or elevated foundations.
Water flows downhill naturally, which makes drainage planning significant on sloping sites. Bad planning leads to erosion, foundation damage, or waterlogging. You need to check soil stability before construction, as soil types affect drainage needs, and your site’s specific conditions determine how to manage stormwater effectively.
Sloping blocks create major access challenges and can restrict machinery movement and increase labour costs. You might even need cranes to deliver materials on very steep blocks. The design of functional driveways also needs careful attention to both gradient and turning space.
Development applications and specific permits are needed before construction starts, especially when sites have environmental or zoning considerations. Local councils often apply special overlays to manage risks on steeper blocks, meaning extra steps in the approval process.
A split-level home on a sloping block turns a challenge into a chance to create a unique living space, but some builders are put off by the extra challenges involved.
Here at BESA, we’re not afraid of a challenge. We create split-level designs that make the most of your block’s unique features, all while tailoring everything to your personal wants and needs. Our designs balance practical needs with inspired architecture to help you maximise your block’s potential.
Want to see how a split-level home could work for you? Get in touch with BESA to bring your dream design to life.