Building on Sloping Blocks in Geelong: Design Solutions & Cost Considerations

Is Geelong particularly hilly? Not really. But you might have a block with a slope to contend with. That is not necessarily a problem; we have all struggled up steep driveways to get to a friend’s barbeque, so clearly building on a slope can be done.

Building on a slope does bring certain challenges, though, from special foundations to combating erosion and ensuring that drainage works to your advantage rather than leading to damp problems. If you have a site you’re intending to build on, have a word with the builder you’re thinking of employing and see what they have to say on the subject.

But first, have a look at this guide so you know what kinds of key points you need to be reassured about.

The Impact of Slope on Foundation and Slab Design (Soil Tests & Engineering)

The first thing that needs to be done is a geological survey, which will reveal exactly what lies beneath the surface. You need to know what kind of soil you’re dealing with. Some are more stable and easier to work with than others. This sort of thing doesn’t mean much to the layperson, but your builder will need to make certain allowances depending on soil type.

If what appears to be a decent, solid patch of earth turns out to contain hard rock or loose boulders, the process of digging foundations is going to be complicated. That is not to say it’s impossible, but it’s not as straightforward as getting a digger to gouge the straight lines that make up the shape of your ground floor. You’re going to need some engineering.

If what you’re dealing with is simply a lot of sloping soil, one obvious option is to dig the steep part out down to the level of the bottom. But an experienced builder may have another suggestion. Slopes are not necessarily the enemy; in fact, they can lend character to the project. But they do have to be understood, and measures must be put in place. A simple concrete slab, such as can be found beneath billions of houses worldwide, cannot be applied to a sloping surface because a sloping slab is no basis for a stable building. Stability likes horizontals and verticals.

Depending on the nature of your slope, you could need pier and beam foundations, elevated flooring or other non-standard design features.

Design Solutions for Sloping Sites: Split-Level, Stepped Slabs, and Pole Homes

Now we get on to the positive side of the whole subject: making slopes work for you. Flat floors are one thing, but single levels are another, and there is a lot to be said for making a split-level room. Some designers include this in plans, and the builders are called upon to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The concept of the “sunken lounge” has enjoyed periods of popularity, so it may be a case of accepting what your land is naturally offering you and making like you thought this was a good idea all along.

Stepped slabs can make the layout of the place more interesting, although this is not ideal for people with mobility problems or families with young children.

Pole homes are unusual in this part of the world, but are an option anywhere there is a substantial slope to contend with. This is simply a case of raising the building on stilts, as is done in areas where there is a regular risk of flooding. In Geelong, this is not necessary because of the weather, but it could be done on a hilly site.

Retaining Walls and Excavation: Essential Cost Drivers for Sloping Land

As mentioned earlier, one option for getting rid of a slope altogether is digging it out (excavating), but if that is done, a retaining wall must be built to shore up the vertical earth you’re left with. There is a cost involved in this, which must be taken into account when budgeting for the job.

These actions are cost drivers that will add to the price, which underlines the importance of carrying out a survey before work begins. Nobody likes it when an estimate creeps up, so it is far better to know what is going to be necessary before you give the project the green light.

Maximising Views and Natural Light on a Challenging Geelong Block

Here are two aspects of life on a sloping or challenging Geelong block. The slope may give you a natural benefit in terms of a panoramic view. On the other hand, if you have a garden or any kind of outdoor area at the bottom of the slope, you could find that you lose the sun early. This may influence how you lay out the house, and if it is going to be a garden at the bottom, you will have to choose your plants appropriately. Depending on which way the site is facing, you may also get extra shelter from the prevailing winds down there.

There are so many considerations if you’re going to work with a slope rather than against it, and decisions made at an early stage can affect life for the occupants long after the work has been done and the simple business of everyday living begins.

At Enso Homes, we’re used to working with slopes and other tricky landscapes. Browse our house designs to find options suited to your block or get in touch with our team.