We recently had a question on our Facebook page that has since inspired this post. We were asked if we had any tips for building on a sloped terrain. So here goes:

Cut and Fill:

Drainage:

Your sloping site may dictate higher building cost with regard to drainage and sewers, depending on the size of the project. If the sewerage system is uphill from the site, will you need to have pumping systems installed? If the system is downhill, you may need to slow flow down to the sewers. 

You will need to consider water run off from the site and make sure you make sufficient measures to deal with surface water. Investigate soakaways and drainage channels to make sure your surface water is dealt with correctly and doesn’t end up flooding your lower floor or the surrounding area.

Views:

This about views and maximising the views wherever possible. One benefit to having a steep site is that you can look at designing a stepped building which means lots of opportunity for slimmer rooms with glazing – and views. Investigate change in levels within your building and how these relate to each other and offer views out of the site and beyond. You could be looking over the roofs of the lower parts of the building from the upper. With this in mind think about interesting roof finishes or maybe sedum, green roofs. There is also the opportunity for terraces and outside spaces. 

Access:

Think about access and how people will be able to move through and around the steep site.  

Light:

Consider how you will use light. Does your site benefit from a good aspect? How can you make sure you get light into the buildings?