Many Australian cities have hilly areas, and where you have hills you have sloping blocks. The methods used by Volume Builders are not good solutions for these potentially beautiful blocks. Either they refuse to build on them or they charge the land the costs of the site, dig a hole in the block and bury a house in it. However, there are quality custom builders who have specialized knowledge of the challenges and possible solutions to building on hilly blocks and can provide cost-effective solutions. Here are some design options to consider when building on a sloped block.
Blocks rising from the road: If a block rises from the road, the most efficient design may incorporate a garage below and the house built above. And if you’re putting a garage under it, why not another room, too? This is an ideal place for a theater or games room or a study; quiet or noisy areas without interfering with the rest of the house. The living areas are built above, and your open plan kitchen or family room can open out to the rear of the house on ground level. With proper landscaping, you maximize the enjoyment of your garden.
It is common to consider a balcony in the front of the house over the garage, so that people can have breakfast and admire the view. However, these areas are rarely used in real life because they have no privacy. In suburban locations, a balcony is primarily for appearance. A good solution is to fit a much smaller balcony that creates street-facing appeal and the option to step outside to watch a sunset. Or you can opt for a decorative balustrade as a façade element without the expense of waterproof balconies. This could save you $10,000 in costs.
blocks falling from the road: When a block falls out of the way, it is often a good solution to use a split slab foundation. The façade of the house will be at street level, with the garage on one side, and the living room, master bedroom and hall on the same level. You would go down a series of steps to the next level, following the outline of the block.
If a client wants to use a wood subfloor, they should consider two stories at the back of the house. The front of the house facing the street will be on one level, but the inevitable space under the house at the rear will be incorporated as a games room or laundry or study.
Split slab or wood subfloor? Many people think that the only way to build on a sloped or hilly block is a wood subfloor. However, there are different solutions, with different advantages.
Historically, when built on a wood subfloor, the entire floor area was raised to one level, creating a house that was raised above the ground. The base of the house is built with bricks, creating a large amount of underused space. In a modern house, this area should be incorporated into the entire design as a functional lower floor.
Building on a concrete slab reverses the process. The block is excavated to create a suitable surface for a concrete slab. Eliminates base brickwork and only provides framing and brickwork above grade. This reduces the cost. Wood subfloors are generally more expensive, however there is a point where one will cancel out the other, depending on the amount of space required and the degree of slope. On a block where you have a slope of up to 1 ½ to 2 meters, a split concrete slab will be more economical.
A slab also has advantages regarding thermal qualities, as well as energy rating and BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating.
Blocks leaning to one side: Blocks with a side slope are a different teapot. Each block must be examined individually. It may still be feasible to use a split slab and get an economical and practical solution. If you have the budget, a wood subfloor is likely to be the best solution.
While you’re digging… Remember that your home does not stop at the walls, it encompasses your garden and surroundings. Landscaping will be an important part of making your home a great place to be. Incorporate this into your overall design and while you have a large machine on site to dig out the foundation, have them do the general external landscaping as well. You’ll save time and money, and when you get your house key, you’ll be well on your way to a real home in your beautiful mountain land.
