Design solutions for sloping blocks

Englehart offers specialised, practical and energy efficient | solutions to all the problems posed by difficult sloping sites. Sloping blocks pose a number of challenges including energy use, ventilation, drainage and access. Expert at addressing these challenges, Englehart employs a variety of strategies, depending on the specifics of a site. They ensure houses built on sloping blocks are cost effective, environmentally conscious, well ventilated and properly drained, while optimising a site’s unique views and aspect.

Building on a sloping block is a challenge that not all home builders are willing to take on, but offers homeowners big rewards in views, aspects and design.

Design solutions for sloping blocks

There are a number of building methods that can be matched to the specific challenges of your site. Englehart maintains it is better to work with a slope than to dig through it and avoids the ‘cut and fill’ technique that can lead to expensive drainage issues in the future.

Using a clever split-level design with expansive windows, the 361-square metre (39 squares) four-bedroom Tri-Level home design encapsulates the essence of modern living with the flexibility of a ground-level main suite, open plan kitchen-dining-living engaging with an alfresco deck, an upper level sitting area and a study on each level.

Englehart also designed the distinctive Grange especially for sloping blocks. The site-responsive architect-designed residence features innovative passive environmental design with expansive windows to take in natural outlooks. The 316-square metre plan incorporates a study next to the entry, a main suite and two additional bedrooms. Ideal for entertaining, the living areas are designed around an alfresco dining deck with a kitchen servery to the deck.

This client’s site has a significant slope of 11 metres from the rear to the front of the block with a beautiful view onto the Maribyrnong River. Adjoining homes on side boundaries restricted excavations. Englehart designed the house with upper level living rooms to take in the views and numerous split levels and terraces were incorporated to accommodate the slope and minimise excavations. Extensive windows maximise river views and internal courtyards were located to provide natural light and interest for rooms without river views.

The Tri Level

▼ GROUND FLOOR PLAN ▼ FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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