Working with a sloping block build

So you've bought a block of land that slopes and you're wondering how to go about building a home on it that has all the features you need. The reality is that a sloping block build does present some unique challenges, but a good architect can work around any issues that arise.

"The biggest challenge you come up against, I find, is the building height," says architectural designer Bill Ganas. "Building on a sloping block can add quite a bit to the overall height of the dwelling, and that throws up other concerns such as boundary setback. The most basic challenge, though, is getting the design right." 

This means coming up with a design that allows for the inclusion of all the usual features you'd want in a home. "The house may require steps in the floor, or you could come up with a multi-level dwelling instead of a dwelling that's at just one level," says Bill.

A sloping block build that contours to land

Generally, Bill recommends a design or floor plan that suits the contours of the land. "This minimises the amount of excavation and retaining walls, or you can reduce the height of the building so you can still have it at a minimum setback to the side boundary."

Obviously, not all sloping blocks slope the same way. A block on which the fall of the land is from front to back – i.e. the property slopes down from the street towards the rear boundary – is probably easier to work with than a block that slopes up from the street. 

Balancing the walls

The latter situation requires more retaining wall and possibly a great deal more excavation, thus impacting on the cost of the project. It should be noted that building on any sloping block is going to be costlier than building on level ground.

Concerns about a potential lack of light and ventilation in homes built on sloping blocks are unfounded, believes Bill. "I don't see too many issues, because if the design suits the fall of the land you should be able to obtain adequate light and ventilation. 

With a sloping block build it might actually allow you to increase the amount of light and ventilation because you could come up with some interesting roof and window designs."