Split-level Home Designs

By Author: Rita Holland
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You've certainly heard of split-level homes, but you're not sure what they are. A split-level home is a house design that has various floor levels that are staggered. The design is reported to include two flights of stairs, one leading to the upper level bedrooms and the other leading down to the basement. This type of home is known as a tri-level, and it can have numerous living spaces on different floors.
Split-level home design are appropriate for sloping plots, regardless of how the slope is structured. This design's predilection for sloping sites has contributed to its growing popularity. Despite being preferable for sloping plots, you must recognise that each plot's design is unique. 
Split-level homes are a dream come true for homeowners! They come with a slew of great advantages in terms of cost, appeal, and structural metrics. But here's the thing: don't get caught up and confused since bi-level homes are designed differently. 
When we talk about split-level ...
... homes, we're referring to three storey house that will make your mind spin. Consider the following: a primary living area that connects two other living areas. One is the upper floor, which houses all of the cosy bedrooms, and the other is the bottom level, which houses your basement adventures.
We, on the other hand, have bi-level houses. They're all about two levels of awesomeness linked by a cool entrance. It's like having your cake and eating it, all at the same time! However, in home form.
Characteristics of Split-level Homes
Each split-level home has a distinct architectural design, so no two are alike. However, because they all follow the same premise, some commonalities exist.
These are the qualities that are similar: 

Presence of half stairs:Half stairs connect one level to the next, where you'll discover a flight of stairs connecting to the higher and lower floors. In addition, there is always a flight of stairs leading from the entrance to the main living space.


Efficient use of space:Did you realise that seemingly typical sloping plots have hidden potential? That's correct! Despite your cursory glance and possibly lessened motivation to buy, these sloping plots offer more area than you might have thought. Indeed, their naturally sloping strata have been expertly optimised to allow for an interesting split-level home design. 


Privacy:Split-level homes provide exceptional seclusion. The fact that the architecture has three discrete living rooms on various floors promotes this privacy. The bedrooms, main living area, and various living areas are all on the same level.


Bay windows:A large bay window is always present in the main living room. This window provides the occupant of the house with an amazing view. 

Attached lower-level garages:Feature garages are becoming more common in regular home designs, and it's only natural that split-level homes have one because their form allows for the inclusion of a garage.


Basement:As previously stated, the basement is located directly beneath the entrance in split-level structures.


Low-pitched roof:A pitched roof has two slopes that are joined at an angle to produce a ridge where they cross. This roof form is common in split-level designs.


Mix of materials:To give this design some robustness, several materials are used in its construction. The lower layers are made of a stronger material than the top levels.

Types of Split-level Homes

Standard split:The entrance to this split-level residence is on the ground level, and the lower part is below the ground level. The basement and garage are located on the lower level, while the main living area, which includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen, is located on the ground level. The bedrooms and baths are located upstairs, above the main living space.


Split Foyer:The entry to this design is on the ground level, but it opens up to a foyer through a short flight of steps. The higher level is reached via one flight of stairs, while the lower level is reached via another. The main living space, bedrooms, and bathrooms are located on the upper floor. The basement and garage, as well as a study space, are located on the lower floor. The middle level, which houses the foyer and a flight of stairs, has no designated use, but some families use it as a play space for their children.


Split Entry:This design features three, four, or more levels. It has an entrance on the middle floor, where the main living area is, but it is divided from the living room and does not open into it. The style is preferred for large families since it provides more space than a normal split-level home.


Stacked split:Another design that offers major benefits to large families, with four to five storeys with bedrooms located above the entrance. The kitchen and baths each have their own floor. Each level in the design is intended for a certain living area, such as a level for bedrooms, a level for the living room, and so on. 

Side split and back split housing are two further types of split housing. 
Benefits of Split-level Homes. 

Privacy: Because the design is adjusted so that each level is dedicated for distinct living needs, the degree of privacy is high.

Perfect for sloping plots: Many people are hesitant to invest in slope plots since they do not lend themselves well to ranch-style designs. However, split-level designs have transformed the narrative on sloping plots, allowing you to maximise the slope and gradient of a plot.
Spaciousness: The majority of split-level designs are built upward, with the upward area being used more than the outer (side and back) space. This upward building provides the house greater plot space, resulting in more outdoor space or larger rooms for the interior. This is why split-level homes are favoured over traditional home designs for larger properties. 

Cheaper: Split-level homes, unlike their traditional counterparts, are expertly engineered to conform to the contours and idiosyncrasies of the site. Those bothersome slopes and uneven surfaces that irritate neighbouring homeowners? They are, however, advantages in disguise for split-level homes! Every storyline weakness provides an opportunity for these unique homes  to shine, and guess what? In the long term, it may even save you money.But hold on, there's more! When it comes to demand, split-level homes have an advantage. These homes, you see, are the real estate market's "hidden gems." While everyone is clamouring for traditional home designs, split-level homes are quietly waiting for people who truly appreciate their appeal. And guess what happens if you install one on a sloping floor? The price has dropped dramatically! That's correct. You get all the advantages of a beautiful home while keeping your bank account happy.

Little-to-no parking problem:The plot's innovative design has contours that easily allow a garage. The garage is strategically placed to provide the homeowner with easy access to their automobile refuge. There will be no more seeking for parking spaces or trudging through the elements. The clever architecture of this plot guarantees that your beloved four-wheeled companion is only a few steps away, ready to whisk you away on your excursions in a flash! 

Disadvantages of Split-level Homes. 

The presence of an excessive number of stairs


Difficulties with remodelling


Because of their location, several split-level designs have insufficient illumination.


Difficulty in selling the home because you will need to find a family who requires the enormous area provided by the design. 

Conclusion. 
Split-level homes allow for numerous floors and a wide range of living spaces. You also have guaranteed seclusion, an outstanding appeal, lower construction costs, and more with its enormous room