House on a slope. Slope house layout

Without a doubt, the ideal condition for the construction of a country house is a flat area, but this is not always the case - quite often suburban areas are located on the slope of a ravine or on the edge of a river slope. In such situations, building a house is somewhat complicated, and there are many reasons for this, among which landslides and ground movements occupy a special place. In general, building a house on a slope is a little more difficult, and if you are faced with such a task, then you need to start solving it by studying the basic information.

House on a hillside photo

Slope house: advantages and disadvantages

Not everything is as scary as it might seem at first glance - in one moment, building a house on a slope creates some difficulties, and in another, as they say, it makes it easier to solve some problems. It is for this reason that the first thing to start with the study of the construction of such buildings is to familiarize themselves with their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the disadvantages - these include the following points.

And, of course, the complexity of the design - the house on the hillside has no standard projects. It should be understood that if you are faced with the decision to build a house on a slope, then you will have to contact the builders who, for quite a lot of money, will develop a project that will take into account everything you need to make your house warm, comfortable and durable. Now for the merits of a house on a steep slope. There are also quite a few of them.

Even watering plots with a house on a slope is an advantage - proper terracing of the slope will retain the right amount of water for vegetation to grow. In general, complete harmony - in the sense that the disadvantages of building a country house on a slope are almost completely offset by the advantages.

How to build a house on a slope: the foundation is everything

The foundation of the house is a responsible structure that fully ensures the reliability and durability of the building - in the case of a house on a slope, this moment is very relevant, and this stage of construction should be treated responsibly. Let's face it - not every type of foundation is suitable for such structures. Of all the existing variety, only three varieties are used.

For information on how to build the foundation of a house on a slope, see this video.

In general, making a foundation for a house on a slope is a rather complicated matter, and it does not depend on the type of foundation chosen. Not only does it need to be correctly calculated taking into account local factors, but it also needs to be erected correctly - in general, this business is exclusively for professionals.

We build a house on a slope: features of the arrangement of the slope

A properly designed slope is another guarantee that the structure will stand for a long time and nothing will happen to it. Just do not think that terraces will help you to cope with the arrangement of the hill one hundred percent - yes, they play an important role, and flat areas greatly reduce the movement of the soil. But besides this step, you need to think about other possibilities, which, together with the terraces, will serve to reliably strengthen the slope.

In general, it will be necessary to carry out a full range of measures aimed at solving issues such as strengthening the slope, preventing landslides and soil erosion.
And to conclude the topic of how to build a house on a slope, a few words about the signs that indicate that building a house on your site will require a lot of costs to strengthen the slope. These are natural phenomena - ravines, lopsided trees, pillars and other similar things - they speak of a rather large moving layer of soil, which can reach up to 3m. By the way, the movable soil layer, or rather its thickness, is a direct indication of the depth of the foundation and the depth of the base of the retaining walls, through which the terracing of the site on the slope is carried out.

With the right approach and application of a special architectural design, the relief of a construction site can be turned from a disadvantage into an advantage. For example, in many cases, building cottages on the slopes, developers manage to save on material consumption. This is achieved through the intelligent use of natural elevation changes and the placement of all technical rooms at the rear of the basement floor. At the same time, the front part of the basement has all the advantages of an above-ground floor and can be equipped as a residential area.

In a house on a plot with a slope, the interior space is zoned in the same way as in all other houses with a basement. In them, technical premises are assigned to the basement, the daytime zone (living room, dining room, kitchen, guest room, etc.) is located on the ground floor, and the sleeping area with the owners' private rooms occupies the upper floor, which can be either traditional, and attic. Individual design of the house takes into account all the features of the site.

Advantages

Houses on steep slopes are convenient because they always have rather high plinths, in which you can equip built-in garages, and do not worry about the slope taking up too much space on the site. Another important advantage is that a summer kitchen can be planned in the basement.

An important plus is the possibility of a spectacular design of both the house itself, built on a slope, and the area around it. The embossed garden area is the dream of any landscape designer, since here you can plant exotic plants, create artificial reservoirs, use a variety of decorations, and all this will be in perfect harmony.

Construction options

Slope properties are calculated by comparing the highest and lowest slope points. Measure slopes in fractions or percentages. They are divided into small (up to 8%), medium (from 8 to 20%), and steep. Naturally, with small slopes, the hassle is the least. They are suitable for the most basic relief solutions. For example, a plot with a low slope can be leveled and adapted for the construction of the most ordinary house, designed for a flat construction site. To do this, soil is poured from the side of the slope, raising the lower point of the building spot to the level of the upper one.

A small slope allows you to more reasonably plan the site, and place additional buildings on a level lower than the residential building. In this case, such structures as a garage, a barn, a bathhouse or a gazebo for relaxation will not block the view from the windows of the cottage and will not block the access of the sun's rays.

If there is a small or medium slope on the site, you can build houses with a plinth partially immersed in the depth of the slope. Their ground floor is aligned with the highest point of the building spot. A basement is designed under this floor, under which the foundation pit is leveled along the lower point of the building spot. The main entrance can be from any facade. Often, a separate entrance is provided for the basement, due to which a clear separation of the technical and residential areas of the building is carried out. By choosing this construction option, you can try to find a suitable typical project designed for relief areas. However, in most cases, you have to create individual projects, taking into account all parameters of the slope and soil. In order to save money and time, you can take a typical house project and order an individual adjustment of only the basement of the building.

On a steep slope, cottages are built from several levels, each of which is shifted like a cascade. This option is the most expensive one. It requires the participation of highly qualified designers and the availability of a high-quality individual project. Experts do not recommend leveling steep slopes and building ordinary cottages on them, designed for flat areas. The fact is that land works of this level are very expensive, and as a result, an unreliable mobile soil layer can be obtained.

The layout of such cascading cottages turns out to be rather complicated, but original. In the recessed part of the floors, auxiliary premises are placed - a kitchen, a dressing room, a gym, a utility room for storing food, etc. The basement with the rest of the levels does not need to be connected by an internal staircase, but internal communication with the day and bedroom floors is mandatory. However, if you wish, you can also make separate entrances to each bedroom, for example, through a common outdoor terrace.

Building a foundation on a flat area with modern technology is not difficult. However, sometimes sites for future construction are located on steep slopes. Houses located on sloping surfaces have their own advantages: they are better protected from wind and flooding, and are more favorable in price. In addition, the mountain usually offers impressive views. But under the influence of large precipitation and soil water, the soil gradually softens.

In the future, this can lead to a shift in the upper layers of the soil. To protect yourself from unpleasant consequences, you should choose and build the right foundation. This article will tell you how to do this.

Peculiarities

Building a foundation for a house on a slope is a difficult process that requires a special approach and adherence to technology, because the foundation is the main component of every building. For a sloping surface, a strip, pile or stepped base is usually chosen.

First you need to calculate the angle of inclination, measured as a percentage. If the slope is about 10 percent, this indicates a high slope. The steeper the slope, the more effort and materials may be needed. If the angle of inclination does not exceed eight percent, then the submontane part can be covered with soil. If the angle is more than eight percent, then you will have to build a basement.

It is worth remembering that the foundation on a plot with a slope cannot be higher than four of its widths. Before construction, the site must be divided into squares and anti-landslide measures must be taken on each of them.

Kinds

The strip foundation is one of the most popular designs today. However, experts advise to build this type of foundation only on slopes with a minimum slope. It is also worth considering the various contraindications of surveyors.

The strip foundation is a closed loop made of reinforced concrete beams and is laid both under the outer and under the inner walls, if necessary. This type is ideal for structures with heavy floors, as well as if the plans include the creation of a basement. There are two types of strip base: monolithic and prefabricated.

A pile foundation is a solid structure made of piles that are buried in the ground and joined together with supports on top. Many experts agree that the pile foundation is the best for erecting load-bearing structures on slopes. It is an effective and practical option for setting up a foundation at any depth.

The installation process is simple, although it requires special equipment. In addition, this type is economically beneficial compared to other options. Piles can be made of wood, reinforced concrete or metal. There are special requirements for heaving soils (clay, loam, sandy loam). Here, the pile foundation is also appropriate.

The columnar view is also suitable for constructing a foundation on a slope. It provides for the erection of pillars in all corners. However, some nuances must be taken into account when erecting it: each pillar must be secured by a supporting wall, which enhances the durability of the base. The columnar version is economical and reliable, does not require additional waterproofing. But it is applicable only for timber or frame houses.

The stepped foundation has a cascading arrangement in the form of ledges. It is suitable for steep slopes where leveling of the surface cannot be performed for some reason. The overall slope of this option is fully consistent with the natural slope of the site. The laying of a stepped foundation looks like a classic concrete tape built from steps of different heights.

A slab foundation with a height difference on a plot with a slope is the best solution for the construction of houses and cottages made of brick, aerated concrete and other materials. This base option provides reliable support for low-rise buildings and is particularly durable.

When building a slab foundation, a solid foundation of monolithic reinforced concrete is created at a shallow depth. The weight of the walls and roof is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the base. Such a structure will be able to withstand any movement of the soil. The disadvantage of the slab foundation is the high costs of installation and materials.

How to choose a project?

When deciding which foundation is more suitable for the basement floor on an uneven area, it is necessary to determine the level of the height difference, and also to study the type of soil of the area. Poorly thought-out construction on a slope can result in collapse of the ground. It is better to invite specialists to calculate the necessary calculations.

If the angle of inclination:

• less than 3% is a flat surface;
• from 3% to 8% - small slope;
• up to 20% - average slope;
• more than 20% - steep slope.

In the first two options, it is possible to erect a strip foundation. If it is impossible to level the surface or an increase in the angle of inclination, a tape-step type is erected. For steep slopes, only a columnar base is suitable. But the pile foundation is appropriate for any slopes.

As for the type of soil, it is subdivided into:

• gristly - durable soil of sand, clay and rubble;
• sandy - easily permits moisture;
• rocky - the most durable, while not allowing moisture to pass through;
• clayey - swells easily and freezes.

The more moisture in the soil, the more it swells when freezing, pushing the foundation out of the soil. Therefore, with complex soil, the base is placed below the freezing level.

When building a strip foundation, one part of the basement plunges deep into the slope. The device of such a base is a costly undertaking, but if you plan to build a brick or concrete house, then the tape option will be the best choice.

The pile foundation can be used for the construction of any type of building, whether it be a residential building, a garage or a bathhouse, as well as at any angle of inclination. With this option for building the base, it can be used for any purpose. The only drawback of the pile type is the impossibility of building a house with a basement.

Also, the choice of the type of foundation depends on whether you want to use the basement for arranging a basement, wine cellar, living room or garage to save space. Do not forget about the restraining structures. They help to prevent landslide processes when it is impossible to change the surface relief. Such structures for different types of foundations on an uneven surface can be presented in the form of base plates and beams, pile structures and pillars, buttresses and seals, belts and facing walls.

How to do it?

To properly install the foundation with your own hands, you must adhere to a certain technological sequence. If you are looking to build a house out of concrete or brick, strip foundations are ideal. Monolithic strip foundation does not require long construction times. In addition, erecting a strip base on an uneven surface is not very different from constructing similar buildings on flat ground.

The bottom of the pit must be strictly horizontal. Before pouring, a concrete or sand cushion is placed on the bottom. It is necessary in order to reduce the ground pressure. Before sewing, a formwork is installed, which rises above the ground level to a height equal to the parameters of the basement floor. Moreover, on the sloping part of the site, the formwork will be of a greater height. Next, fittings are laid inside the foundation. Then you need to pour concrete.

It is necessary to pour it continuously in layers of 20 cm. It is important to correctly calculate in advance the volume of concrete that will be needed during installation.

Column foundations are suitable for light private houses. It can be made of monolithic reinforced concrete or prefabricated concrete blocks. It is recommended to follow certain step-by-step instructions.

• To begin with, a retaining wall is erected in the upper part of the site.
• Further, according to the same scheme, a retaining wall is erected in the lower part.
• Between the retaining belts, soil is poured with layer-by-layer compaction. This will allow the upper landing to contain ground collapse.
• Around the perimeter of the house, a sample of pits is made, the dimensions of which must correspond to the parameters of the pillars.
• The foundation is made in the pits. In this case, the cuts of individual posts must be carefully aligned in height.
• A grillage is carried out to cut the foundation of the house.

The pile foundation, which is the most economical, is suitable for steep slopes and unstable soils. The piles are screwed into the ground in such a way that their heads are flush. The process also consists of several stages.

• At the top point, a pile is deepened, the visible part of which is equal to the height of the base in the smallest dimension.
• Next, the next corner pile is installed, the length of the visible part of which is equal to the length of the base in the larger designation.
• Then all the pile elements are installed so that the top point of each is horizontal.
• You can strengthen the pile foundation using reinforced concrete clips that are installed along the entire length of the piles.

It is important to know the following.

• Before proceeding with the construction of the foundation, make sure that the slope of the site is a creation of nature, and not an elevation created artificially by a person who brought soil or waste to this place.
• Give priority to the south and west sides. In a house built on one of these sides, it is more pleasant to spend time and admire the beautiful sunsets.
• The entrance to the house is an important moment in the construction of a building on a slope. On steep slopes, access is often only possible from one side.
• Take care of engineering communications. For example, a water well located at the bottom of the slope will require taking into account the height of the house, as well as the difference in relief.

In the first two articles, we talked about how the features of the relief affect the construction of a house and how best to place your building in the existing landscape of the site. We will conclude the series of articles with a story about how exactly the direction of the slope of the terrain affects the choice of a place for a house.

The location of the house on a plot with a south or east slope

The southern slopes are, of course, more warmed by the sun. Therefore, you need to try to orient the living quarters to the east, southeast or south. By locating the house on the southern slope, you can save resources for heating the building during the heating season. There is enough warmth on the southeastern and eastern slopes. These destinations are especially favorable for areas with cold climates. For warm areas, such slopes are successful because here the coolness comes earlier. If you place the entrance to the house on the south side, then there will be less snow in winter and it will melt faster in spring. The southern slope blows less winds, and the sun warms more, illuminating the rooms and the terrace. Embodying, for example, a project of a two-story house with a garage, it is worth placing it on the southern slope closer to the eastern border of the land plot.

The location of the house on a plot with a northern slope

It is not recommended to place houses on the northern slopes, unless we are talking about a site located in a hot climate. If it is necessary to determine a place for a house on the northern slope, then they build it in the middle, as close as possible to its western border.

The location of the house on a plot with a western slope

The western slopes are known to be very hot in the afternoon sun, so they are not recommended for construction either. This applies to all climatic regions. If there is a plot for construction located on the western or eastern slopes, then the house should be located at its northern border at its highest point, placing all outbuildings below.

Cold pocket

When placing a house on rough terrain, you should take into account the currents of cold air that descend at night. An obstacle in the form of a house wall, which appeared in his path, contributes to the formation of a "frost pocket" or "pocket of cold", the temperature in which will be lower than that of the environment by 9 degrees.

Winter Garden

If the house is planned to be decorated with a winter garden, then it is ideal to attach it to the north side. In addition to its main purpose, this room will serve as a thermal buffer. In addition, you can avoid installing sun protection devices and not be afraid that the plants will be exposed to direct sunlight. It is better to orient the open part of the winter garden to the slope.

Basic rules for the location of a house on a relief site:

1. It is worth providing a distance of at least 6 meters from the living rooms of the house to the buildings on the neighboring site.
2. If the size of the site permits, it is worth removing animal rooms, toilets and compost pits at a distance of 15 meters from the house, placing them at the bottom of the slope.
3. You can free up space for driving on the site by moving the house to the border of the territory (relevant for those who have chosen a two-story garage project).

Any irregularities in the relief complicate the preparatory work for construction:

1. The house construction project must be developed individually, linking it to the existing conditions of the area.
2. In the project, you need to take into account the location of the site and its slope.
3. Before starting to develop a project, it is necessary to perform complex calculations.
4. If you prefer the project of a two-story house with a basement, you should pay special attention to the issue of insulating the surfaces of the building adjacent to the ground from the effects of groundwater.
5. It may also be difficult to build terraces or to excavate part of the slope for the construction of a basement.

All these factors require additional financial investments. But in many cases, the unevenness of the terrain can inspire bold experiments to create an enjoyable modern home. Competent organization of the site for construction and the location of the house and other buildings on the terrain, taking into account its features, will make the site unique.

Of course, building houses on the slopes is very difficult, but it should be noted that "uneven" terrain has some advantages.

The most significant among them is the possibility of saving money and materials due to the correct use of the height difference. For example, some house designs allow you to place most of the utility rooms under the first floor, which will make it possible to do without carrying out a huge amount of earthwork. So, what are the aspects accompanying the design and construction of a house on a plot on a slope?

Original house built on a slope (Switzerland)

Depending on the nature of the relief, land plots can be sloped up to 15 degrees or more. If the slope is small, then there is no negative impact on the layout of the house. Moreover, due to the presence of such a slope, it becomes possible to place additional buildings below the residential building at different elevations, without obstructing the view of the site or shading.

If necessary, separate entrances can be arranged to different levels of the residential building, while isolating the utility rooms from the living quarters, and the daytime zone from the sleeping area.

If the slope is more than 15 degrees, then you should limit yourself to cottage projects that are designed specifically for plots on the slope. Such projects, of course, differ in some features in the layout. For example, in the basement on a slope, a basement, a garage and a summer kitchen are often placed. According to the architects, thanks to this arrangement of the kitchen area, it is possible to avoid overheating of the premises in the summer season, as well as to provide a high-quality view of the territory from the window and good natural lighting of the room.

The features of the relief largely determine the choice of a house project and the costs of future construction. The relief is determined depending on the slope of the surface, which is calculated as the ratio of the difference in the height of two points of the terrain to the distance between them horizontally, which represents the tangent of the angle of inclination of the line to the terrain. The slope is measured in percent or fractions. For example, a 10 meter slope while moving 100 meters diagonally corresponds to a 10% grade or 0.10 m grade.

In addition, the slope also affects the relief. If, for example, the slope is no more than 3%, then the site is considered flat; if the value is from 3 to 8%, then the site goes with a small slope; if up to 20% - then average and more than 20% - steep.

If the site has a small slope, then the construction of the building can be carried out in several ways:

In this video you can see how the house was built, half-buried in the slope.