Tips For Building On A Sloping Block

Unlike building on a standard flat site, constructing your home on a sloping site or elevated ground can give your incredible views, a higher home value and passive cooling from cool breezes. Whether surrounded by mountains, forests or water, building on a sloping block will catch views and interests that homes on standard flat blocks will never achieve. That said, this type of construction will likely present some unique challenges that are only possible to work around with the help of structural engineers and builders. Here are tips that will help you with your construction project. 

Account for Drainage 

Although homes built on a sloping block have significantly better drainage than level homes, the worst thing to deal with is drainage issues from gutters, overland flow, rainwater or underground flow. You want to make sure you pay proper attention to drainage to avoid mudslides or severe structural damage on your slub. You must account for surface and subsurface water drainage without endangering any neighbouring properties and public roads. 

Retaining Walls Are Crucial

Slabs and slopes often don't play well together, and this is where retaining walls come into play. When building on a slope, you need to provide a level base for the slab to create a functional space. Retaining walls allow for the construction of a house on a ground that is otherwise hard to work with, and helps you achieve a stable structure at a relatively lower cost. A retaining wall is also an effective solution for controlling erosion, limiting damage to neighbouring land, curving additional usable space and adding beauty to your property.

Work With the Slope 

Building on a slope is one of the best ways to achieve a unique, stylish and spacious design for your home. You want to work with large windows to make the most of the views. You can have your structural engineer curve out areas that will place picture windows to get the most out of your unique surroundings. Another way to work with the slope is to position windows in areas that don't face direct sunlight, to avoid harmful UV rays from damaging your home or increasing cooling costs. 

Chose the Right Team 

Building on a sloping block is no easy undertaking, and you want to guarantee that you have the most qualified team of builders to help accomplish your vision. You should hunt down a builder who is as excited as you are to undertake the project and a structural engineer who understands the unique structural needs of your property to make your house a success.

These are just a few tips to help you build a home on a sloping block. Of course, you will need to consider other factors such as building materials, cost of construction, customisations, site analysis and more.


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