Norfolk is commonly known for its flat landscape, but in actuality, there are plenty of hills and sloped terrain in East Anglia.
All of this sloped land is just waiting to be built upon. Be warned, building a home on a slope is no easy task. There are a few reasons that sloped houses are not so common, such as how difficult and expensive they can be to build.
Yet, if you dream of living in a home carved into the hillside, hope is not lost.
Reasons to Build on a Slope
Have you ever spotted a hillside home that you have simply fallen in love with? From humble cottages placed on lonely hills to modern sloping paradise homes, there is more than enough inspiration for sloped homes to go around.
When you hear about all the benefits there are of having a house built on sloping land, it will be difficult to get the idea out of your head.
Houses Built on Slopes Have Amazing Views
Obviously, this is dependent on where your sloped house will be built, but most homes such as this benefit from wonderful views.
The main reason we climb hills, dunes and mountains is to see the view from up top, so imagine if you could ogle a marvellous view of the land below from your own home.
Pair your sloped house with sprawling large windows to have those stunning views always on show.
A Unique Property
In a world where everything has been said and done ten times over, it pays to be unique. And when you decide you will be building a house on a slope, you open yourself up to the opportunity of creating a unique new home.
If bespoke designs and innovative architecture are right up your alley, building on a hill could be your next rewarding venture.
Building on Sloped Land Means More Natural Light
In most cases, a home on a hill will be more exposed to natural light, and this is a good thing.
When you hear people say that natural light is good for us humans, it’s nothing but the truth. Natural light has been known to do so much for our health, such as:
- Boosting our vitamin D
- Improving our sleep and circadian rhythm
- Lifting our mood
- Helping to keep us focused
Homes built into a hillside – that make good use of big bay windows – will receive so much more natural light than perhaps a standard new build home.
Houses Built on Slopes are More Secluded
If you’re someone who values your privacy or simply wants to live a quiet life away from all of the hustle and bustle, building your home on sloped terrain just might be perfect for you.
Especially in Norfolk, pieces of considerably sloped land are not so easy to come by, compared to other parts of the UK, and oftentimes this sloped terrain is secluded within the splendid Norfolk countryside.
Don’t Forget About Space
When it comes to houses built on slopes, you become part of an exclusive small club. It’s likely that if you choose this route for your own self build project, you won’t have too many neighbours around.
Of course, there are exceptions to this, but building on sloped land often allows for more space around your property.
Methods For Building on Sloped Land
It’s all well and good being told why building a house on a slope is such a good idea, but how do you actually get the job done?
There are two main methods for sloped house building.
Method #1: The Cut & Fill Method
Many houses built on sloping land have used this method to get the job done. To do this, you need an architect who can come up with expert structural drawings and a construction company that can execute this method with precision.
This method involves removing and adding soil to a sloped foundation to make it level. The soil that is cut from the bank can be retained and used to fill where needed in order to create a level surface.
The cut and filled areas can then be supported by newly built retaining walls.
Depending on the slope you are working with, this could be your most cost-effective option; especially if you use up most of the cut soil at the filling stage – this way, you’re not paying for soil to be carted away.
Method #2: Use Stilts For Your Sloped House
Houses built on steep slopes may benefit more from this method of building. You can probably imagine how this would work.
Instead of forking out cash on expensive foundation work, you would use stilts instead to support the home.
If sustainability is important to you, then using stilts could be a better option for you as it leaves the grounds around your home untouched and undisturbed. A Sustainable Architect would likely prefer this method of building on a slope.
Final Thoughts
Building a home on a slope could be incredibly rewarding for you, and the start of your next adventure. Though, we did say it wasn’t going to be all smooth sailing.
There are important aspects to consider, including:
- Drainage and sewage
- Ease of access
- The cutting and filling soil process
- Soil type
- Landscaping issues
What’s most important is that you work with a construction company that can handle such a task. If you’re interested in building a house on a slope, speak to our team today and we’ll see if we can help you.
