As a general rule, a split level shouldnot be built on a flat lot

Split level houses do have some negativeaspects. Generally this area is located at grade also: the sloping grade makesthis arrangement possible.It takes advantage of what might otherwise prove to be a troublesome differencein elevation and uses it to advantage. At the highest elevation in the house is the sleeping area andbath. The use of zoned heating(separate thermostats for the variousareas of the house) will usually solve the heating problem. The generalarrangement of the split level separates sleeping, living, and recreation ondifferent levels. Lotssloping from the left or right are suited for the side by side design. This area is ground level andthus lends itself to these functions. All bedrooms areclose to a bath. Againthe use of patios and terraces adds to the usefulness and amplifies theattractiveness of the split level.

 The family roomand eating nook are exceptions. Architectural Variations of the Split Level Design There are basically three variations of the split leveldesign: the side by side, the front to back, and the back to front. Traffic circulation involves those areas of the housewhich provide a means of moving from one area or room to another. The kitchen, dining room, living room and full orhalf bath normally are located on the living level. This model looks like a two story in front and a ranch inthe rear. Few rooms have traffic planned through them.If You would like to learn more about the CAD Design ProcessClick Here-Invention & PrototypeDesign Services. The next level up from the basement, the intermediate level,generally houses the garage and recreation area. Traffic Circulation A primary consideration in designing a functional plan istraffic circulation. In mostcases, however, they are cheaper than a ranch. The intermediate level faces thestreet at grade. The bedrooms are above, also facing the street.The split level was conceived for the sloping or hilly lot. The third variation, the back to front split level, requiresa lot that is low in front and high in back. Mounding up soil in front of the high section togive the appearance of a hill usually yields poor results. At the lowest level, there is a normal basement which housesthe heating and cooling equipment, storage, and perhaps a shop or washroom. An analysis should be made of trafficcirculation to determine if the plan is as functional as it could be. Little or no hall space is required in a split level housedue to its basic design, a positive factor fro consideration. This is usually enough for efficient use without wasted space. Heating may be a problem if nothandled properly. In a will planned arrangement thedistance from the garage to the kitchen in short and direct. The intermediate level mayalso have a large foyer, mud room, or family room. Circulationmust be planned for maximum efficiency.Variation number two, the front to back split level, is suited Ratchet turnbuckle for lots whichare high in front and low in the back.This area is the usual depth of a basement.

 As a general rule, a split level shouldnot be built on a flat lot. The foyer iscentrally located and convenient to all parts of the house. This house looks like a ranch from thefront and a two story from the back. They are generally more expensive to build than the two story. The foyer, mud room, and washroommay also be located at this level depending on the layout or preference. The half level difference between the living and sleeping levels affordsgreater privacy and quietness. The split level makes efficient use of space. Thebasement ordinarily equals about 40 to 60 percent of the space occupied by thehouse. The livinglevel is a the rear. Thisdesign places the living area opposite the sleeping and intermediate areas. Slightly higher than the intermediate level is the livinglevel. In some instances the basement maynot be desired and a crawl space provided for maintenance and ventilation. Frequently,a slight change in the floor plan can increase smooth flow of traffic todesirable locations. The living area faces the street and the bedroomsare on the second level to the rear. Patios and terraces may be attached tothe recreation area which further enhances its use.