A split-level home, with its unique floor layout that separates areas into various levels connected via small staircases, is a distinctive and appealing choice for Australian homeowners.
This trend originated in the 1950s, creating a smooth flow among communal areas and increasing privacy using a space-efficient design. Upon closer inspection, it is apparent that split-level homes optimise vertical spaces on limited suburban lots, making them a unique buying option.
If you’re considering this type of residential orientation, our Brisbane split level home builders are here to guide and support you. This blog will explore the pros and cons of split level homes to educate and empower homeowners, help them make sound, long-term buying decisions, and improve their quality of life.
What is A Split-Level Home?
A split-level home is a residential structure with a multi-level layout connected by short stairways. Its typical spaces include an expansive living room, family area, and an upper-level bedroom. This trend gained popularity after World War II and is firmly entrenched in mid-century modern design communities.
Split-level homes usually have at least three storeys distinctly separate from the others. This layout makes the main living area prominent, separating it from the serene sleeping areas. Designers situate the kitchen and living room on the entry-level, bedrooms on the upper floor, and a garage and additional living quarters on the lower floor.
These multi-floor residences have immense bay windows that flood interiors with natural light, low-pitched roofs that add a touch of elegance, and various material combinations such as brick and weatherboard, stone veneer and rendered concrete, and concrete block and timber slats. These architectural features combine to create an elegant, visually-striking home.
Split-level homes’ staggered floors are connected by small stairways, optimising space and allowing natural light to penetrate the indoor living areas. Additional sunlight enhances the open layouts and the home’s visual appeal.
Unfortunately, a multi-level orientation can hinder disabled and older people’s accessibility. Since these individuals have issues climbing stairs, residing in a split-level home can be challenging.
Split-Level Home Facade Features
Split-level homes are unique because of their distinctive architectural components. These houses combine several materials, including brick, wood, and siding, to construct a stylish, eye-catching exterior.
The unique entryway leads up to a mid-level foyer with stairs connecting the main living areas and lower floors, which typically have a garage. This setup enhances the structure’s functionality, aesthetics, and architectural elements.
Many split-level homes feature immense bay windows that increase indoor natural light and provide incredible views of the great outdoors. These apertures make these residences aesthetically appealing and inviting to visitors. These houses’ low-pitched rooflines significantly improve their exteriors and facilitate adequate drainage.
Split-Level Home Interior Features
Open floor plans are integral to the interior designs of split-level homes. They improve the flow among the main living areas and the bedrooms on the upper levels linked by small stairways. The design helps distinguish daytime and nighttime activities, encouraging homeowners to stay in specific areas and settle into a consistent routine.
Completed basements become extended living spaces. Depending on the homeowners’ preferences, they transform these basements into play areas, home offices, man caves, or home gyms that enhance the house’s footprint without taking up extra space. Hence, split-level homes’ versatility makes them appealing to families with diverse lifestyles.
Split-level homes feature distinct architectural features that provide a unique touch, including vaulted ceilings, zoned living spaces, sunken living rooms, open railings or half walls, and split entryways.
The layered architectural orientation of these houses creates separate interior zones that allow homeowners to enjoy various activities that reflect their unique personalities and preferences. Hence, people considering split-level homes will enjoy upscale bespoke living over time.
Split-Level Home Types
This section discusses the various split-level home types to give homeowners unique insight and help them select the variation that meets their preferences.
Side Split
Side-split homes’ unique layouts make them stand out from other residential structures within their immediate vicinity. In this setup, one side of the house has one storey, while the other side has two storeys.
The upper level usually accommodates the bedrooms, while the lower floor or split side holds the garage or basement. The one-storey side typically houses the living room and kitchen.
Side split homes resonate with homeowners who prefer a seamless combination of aesthetics and functionality. The staggered layout’s ability to distinguish public and private areas makes it popular in heavily populated suburban areas.
Back Split
Back splits maximise residential space by placing a one-storey facade and a multi-storey structure at the back, creating a unique, eye-catching suburban home.
The front structure typically accommodates the main living space, including the kitchen and living room. This orientation makes back splits inviting and welcoming to visitors.
Moving towards the back leads to multiple-level splits that families can access via small stairways. The multi-storey structure houses bedrooms, dens, and living areas that prioritise privacy. It’s apparent that the front split is a public gathering space, while the back portion is a private area serving as the homeowners’ sanctuary and refuge.
Back split level homes optimise each area’s vertical space and functionality, creating distinct yet connected zones for living, connecting, and getting privacy.
Stacked Split
Stacked split-level homes feature multiple floors connected by short stairways that create various living spaces. In this setup, a simple entryway smoothly flows into several levels, including above and below.
This split-level residence optimises smaller land areas and resonates well with homeowners who reside in limited, densely populated areas. Stacked splits’ compact layouts optimise the available space and make every square metre functional, providing buyers with excellent value for money.
Standard Split
Standard split-level homes provide a practical, unique layout that distinguishes living and sleeping quarters among three levels. The first-floor entryway leads to a small foyer, from which one can access stairways to the main floor, which accommodates the living room and kitchen.
This setup optimises available space and encourages a seamless, connected flow among various living spaces.
Like back splits, these split-level types easily distinguish private and public spaces. For instance, the lower floor typically accommodates a basement, which homeowners convert into home offices, home gyms, family rooms, or recreational areas. Some Australian homeowners include a garage to accommodate their vehicles, optimising space and functionality.
On the other hand, the upper floor houses private spaces such as bedrooms that serve as modern-day sanctuaries and getaways for busy homeowners. These areas provide quiet time and privacy that helps them recalibrate and recharge after a long day.
What Are The Pros and Cons of a Split Level House?
This section explores the advantages and disadvantages of a split-level house to empower homeowners with a broader perspective and allow them to make sound buying decisions.
Benefits of Split-Level Homes
The benefits of split level home include the following:
Space optimisation
Split-level homes offer space optimisation advantages for homeowners who reside in dense, small residential lots. These houses maximise floor areas by spreading them out across multiple staggered levels. Large families who want to live in small suburban areas and balance connection and privacy will enjoy a split-level household.
Enhanced natural light
Multiple floors and expansive windows allow natural light to permeate split-level home interiors and make the surroundings feel expansive, aesthetically pleasing, and welcoming. More natural light also improves homeowners’ moods, well-being, and energy efficiency, significantly slashing costly monthly energy utility bills.
Clear distinction among living spaces
First-time visitors can clearly distinguish the various areas of split-level residences. For example, the front structure of a back split arrangement accommodates the kitchen and living room—two areas where people can strike up conversations and connect over a cup of coffee.
On the other hand, the back structure houses private areas, including bedrooms and dens. These living spaces are the homeowner’s sanctuaries where they can unwind and relax when no visitors are around.
Efficient sloping block utilisation
Residents who live on sloping blocks will benefit from split-level houses because their multiple levels integrate seamlessly with the existing contour. Better yet, split-level residences significantly reduce exorbitant excavation costs required for houses on sloping blocks.
Unique market appeal
Split-level homes’ space-saving features, aesthetics, and other advantages enhance curb appeal and resale potential. You can sell your split-level home to potential buyers relocating to dense suburban dwellings.
Split-Level Home Cons
The disadvantages of split-level homes include the following:
Mobility challenges
Split-level homes have multiple floors connected by short stairways, significantly hindering the mobility and accessibility of the elderly, disabled people, and toddlers. These people require assistance when climbing stairs, which adds to the regular strain of navigating multiple floors.
Limited renovation alternatives
Split-level residences’ unique multi-level orientation can limit and complicate renovation options. Homeowners may find expanding these dwellings challenging because these structures restrict their choices.
For instance, moving the kitchen to a different floor can be daunting because the living spaces are sorted vertically. Designating specific living spaces at the beginning of the construction process means they’re locked in place permanently.
Less light on sloping blocks
Although split-level homes’ expansive windows enhance natural light, this scenario can be challenging for houses built on sloping blocks.
Many split-level residences on natural inclines have no windows on one side, and some have only one window. Homeowners compensate by installing skylights or customised lighting, which are more expensive than large windows.
Resale value
Split-level homes’ market values can be a double-edged sword. Although their aesthetics, affordability, and space-saving features appeal to some buyers, they can be challenging to sell because their outdated features from the 1950s or 1960s could require time-consuming, costly renovations.
Their old-fashioned designs also don’t resonate with many buyers, contributing to their low market demand.
Conclusion
Split-level homes seamlessly combine communal and private areas, improving families’ quality of life. Their efficient space utilisation, eye-catching aesthetics, distinct living spaces, and enhanced natural light make them appealing to homeowners living in dense, suburban neighbourhoods.
However, as trusted Gold Coast split level home builders with extensive industry experience since 1996, we encourage buyers to consider their mobility challenges, limited renovation options, challenging resale values, and outdated designs. Looking at both sides of the equation broadens their perspectives and allows them to make an enlightened buying decision.
Do you require assistance with split-level homes? With nearly thirty years of experience designing and building residences in Southeast Queensland, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss your unique requirements. Our staff can create an upfront, customised quotation for your needs and budget.
