Understanding sloping blocks and stepped designs
Understanding sloping blocks and stepped home designs, with tips on maximising views, managing costs and creating functional, site-responsive living spaces.
Sloping blocks are a stunning foundation for a home - offering elevated views, natural drainage, and unique street presence. But they also come with design challenges that require smart thinking and skilled execution. At Wilson Homes, we understand the intricacies of building on sloping sites and have a range of home designs that can suit this.
Whether your block slopes upward, downward, or across the site, our team has the experience to help you build a home that suits the land - not the other way around.
What is a stepped slab?
The Wilson Homes stepped slab is ideal for building a single or double storey home on slightly sloping land.
Traditional ‘cut and fill’ techniques require heavy excavation, which can result in steeper driveways, extra site related costs, and the need for retaining walls
When building on a slight slope, a stepped slab can allow us to include steps up to 900mm into the home design. The stepped slab allows higher ceilings, better drainage, natural light and ventilation.
Whether your land has a fall from back-to-front, or front-to-back, we can adapt a range of our standard plans to accommodate your sloping land.
What designs are available?
Several of Wilson's standard designs are suitable for a stepped slab, including the Kiama 27 and Brookvale 25. The step is incorporated into the hallway and allows for either higher ceiling in the main bedroom and garage, or through the main living and kitchen, depending which way your land slopes.
Want to know more about Split Level or Sloped Block designs?
Leave your details and one of our Building Consultants will be in touch to talk you through our sloped block designs, answer your questions, and help you take the next step towards buidling your new home!
Benefits of choosing a stepped slab design
Each home site is different. However, when choosing a stepped slab design, you could benefit from:
- Higher ceilings within your home
- Lowered incline of your driveway
- Minimised earthwork requirements
- Less retaining walls
- Flatter and more functional back yard
- Lower site costs
Talk to a Building Consultant for a free site appraisal and quote.
Split Level and Sloped Block Designs
Frequently Askked Questions
What is the difference between split level and conventional sloping block builds?
A conventional build on a sloping site often requires extensive cut and fill excavation, massive retaining walls, and risk of drainage issues. Wilson Homes' split-level floor plans stagger floor slabs across multiple levels that match the terrain's gradient, lowering site costs and maximising natural light.
How steep can a site be for a split-level home design?
Our sloping block collection accommodates gradients ranging from gentle 2-metre falls up to steep 6-metre+ elevations across the building envelope. During the initial site assessment, our engineers review contour surveys to match the optimal floor plan orientation.
Does Wilson Homes build on sloping sites across all Tasmanian regions?
Yes. We build custom split-level homes across Greater Hobart, Kingston, Eastern Shore, Launceston, and the North West Coast.
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