Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 19, 2013 4:45 pm About to build a new home, currently doing designing at the moment. But I am stuck in between these two options split-level or cut-and-fill for my land preparation. Designer told me one while a build-apprentice-friend told me another. Please help me here. I have a land that falls from southeastern corner to northwestern corner at 1.6m. Anyone knows which option is better in such fall? I am concerning that, 1. cut-and-fill does not provide good support and house could crack worse over years, as filled soil can't be packed as solid as nature ground. But I do like the flat surface level in the house. 2. I don't like split level as it places two little stairs, 600mm to 800mm each, along the house. Potential danger of falling over. 3. how about the cost? Re: 1.6m fall. split-level or cut-and-fill? Help me! 2Apr 19, 2013 5:51 pm i have a split level custom home and have nearly finished completion an it is fantastic . we also had cut and fill. we have a step up from garages then bottom area is main entrance and main bedroom also media area . i have plans and pics on my building thread. at the moment we have just had a pool installed and looking at landscaping . cost wise i feel the split level we choose was a good price. and we have high ceiling Bottom level has around 10 foot high ceiling also garage nearly 12 foot high. we have piers for support and lots and lots of concrete. at the end of the day it is your choice on what you want in a house Re: 1.6m fall. split-level or cut-and-fill? Help me! 3Apr 23, 2013 1:06 pm My land is in canberra. The architect said, the soil in canberra is not good. He said piers which is required in cut-and-fill scenario will do little in holding the house still, particularly if the backfill is >1m. The piers will sink over the years. But I have seen builders building houses by backfilling up to 1m high and they were high-end houses. While split level really limits the design options of the house, it also makes the space look smaller. Plus, limitations of setbacks. The design is awful. I just don't know where to go. Re: 1.6m fall. split-level or cut-and-fill? Help me! 4Apr 23, 2013 3:25 pm nethern While split level really limits the design options of the house, it also makes the space look smaller. Plus, limitations of setbacks. The design is awful. I guess it comes down to opinion. Personally think split level gives you many many more options for your home, makes it a little more interesting, and adds character. The ability to segment areas by more than just a door (e.g. a sunken family room) really makes a feature of that room... in my opinion!! Either way, good luck Building the Cosmos with New Generation. Site scrape and pegs - 25 Oct '13. Our Build Thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=64306 Re: 1.6m fall. split-level or cut-and-fill? Help me! 5Apr 29, 2013 10:59 am Hi nethern. Canberra is based on clay soil, this means that it contracts and expands in hot and cold conditions. Having said this if your block is sloping 1.6m than you probably will be better off having a split level home as you will be cutting and filling quiet a lot plus you will probably need retainer walls as well. The more you cut and fill the bigger the retainer walls therefore the more $$. What builder have you been speaking with? All respect to your apprentice builder friend, you need to speak to a couple of experienced local builders and compare what they are saying. I have been to a few display homes in Casey that are split level and also the Rawson display house in Wright is split level and it's very nice. Re: 1.6m fall. split-level or cut-and-fill? Help me! 6Apr 29, 2013 3:52 pm I am biased, but I would suggest a split level as your first port of call. We are building a split level and our block had a side slope as well as a slope from back to front..... we absolutely LOVE what we have come up with, and it worked out cheaper than just filling the block due to the extra retaining walls, concrete, etc that would have been needed to stabilise.... in comparison, our block has been nicknamed "the mansion" because it looks so big in comparison to some of the single story homes in the street. It really comes down to what design features you do/dont want in your home, and work from there..... but i do love split level, and a couple of stairs here or there isnt much, but it adds so much character and also separates areas - so if anything, can make the area seem bigger as it gives you more defined living areas.... Let us know what you decide on either way.... or put some plans up and we can all throw some ideas or suggestions at you for split/single level homes that would work. Cheers Blog: http://matt-and-jo.blogspot.com.au/ Purchased Block: August 2011, Block Settled: Dec, 2011 Contract Signed: 28/6/12, Site Works Started: 9/11/12 Re: 1.6m fall. split-level or cut-and-fill? Help me! 7Jul 25, 2013 9:59 am Also, and sorry if this was mentioned but I couldn't see it - do you have any views? It may be worth building the house up if so as to get the most out of the view. If not then I guess it doesn't matter, do the most economical option. My Hamptons build (completed): viewtopic.php?f=31&t=63370 Moved in Wednesday 11th Dec 2013 Front landscaping completed June 2016 Move your linen into laundry and access laundry from your present linen space 1 8001 Thank you Splashers. Tomorrow I might check if I can get a few packs of 300x300 in the same tile finish. It may be good to use these could in the shower recesses. I'm not… 4 4671 I've got a challenge here. Background is the builder has cut too deep for the slab and the slab is now below the very substantial retaining wall. It's failed occupancy… 0 18373 |