Split level design — could using staggered levels give your home the step up it needs?

There are many reasons why a split level design might be the best solution for your home, whether you are extending an existing property or designing a self build. Not only can it optimise the space you have available, but it can help you create the ideal solution for a sloping or tricky site.

“They work wonderfully for creating moments of surprise or delight in a home, particularly when paired with interesting views or materials,” says Sean Ronnie Hill, founder of Rise Design Studio.

But, getting the design right is key to making the space stylish, functional and safe. Here's what to consider if you plan on using split level design in your self build or renovation.

Using split level design to deal with land contours

Although split level design is often an aesthetic choice, in some cases it's a necessary architectural decision to deal with the land you're building on.

“Split level spaces are an exciting design solution and something we’ve had the pleasure of incorporating into both new builds and house extension ideas,” says Sean Ronnie Hill. “They particularly shine in projects where the natural topography of the site includes a slope, or when an extension meets a building with varying floor levels."

A split level design could be the solution for example when you want to limit excavation on a site, or build a home that sits into the landscape. However, designing and building a home on a sloping site can prevent many challenges and practical complexities.

This means you it's usually advisable to work with an experienced architect who can create an unconventional design that allows you to create the right level of harmony between architecture and nature.

Sean Ronnie Hill

Sean Ronnie Hill is the founder of RISE Design Studio, and is known for his extensive experience in creating high-end residential and cultural projects across London. He is a strong advocate for sustainable homes and has a wealth of expertise in low-energy new builds and retrofits, and is a certified Passivhaus Designer and a member of The Green Register.

Architectural considerations when using a split level design

From an architectural perspective, it’s important to balance functionality with aesthetic impact when opting for a split level design, as you need to ensure that a change in levels doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the building.

For usability the levels should connect seamlessly, but, “the challenge is often to ensure that the design vision for the layout, levels and spaces can also satisfy regulatory and practical requirements," advises Nimi Attanayake, director and co-founder of Nimtim Architects.

"It's important to have a good team who can steer you through these challenges including a flexible building control officer," says Nimi, "and the input of an architect can be particularly valuable at the initial stages so that the overall spatial strategy can be considered alongside planning, regulatory and practical constraints.”

Nimi Attanayake

Nimi is director and co founder of nimtim architects. A qualified garden and landscape designer, and a UK qualified architect since 2008, she has worked for some of London’s most highly regarded practices and has a wealth of architectural and building knowledge.

Design considerations when planning split level spaces

One of the most valuable benefits of a split level design is that it can be a great way of using available space efficiently – including wasted vertical space.

When designing a split level space, allow for the positioning of windows at different heights, as well as creating space for bespoke storage options. Remember that changes in levels can also create voids in which to run services or accommodate underfloor heating.

“Split levels offer an opportunity to integrate storage into the steps or transitions, maximising functionality,” confirms Sean Ronnie Hill. “Plus, you can design the levels to frame views or to define spaces with different functions, such as separating dining from living areas. It’s also a way of introducing natural light strategically; for example, split levels can allow for higher ceilings and clerestory windows.

“But don’t overcomplicate the layout,” says Sean. “Too many changes in level can create a disjointed feel, may reduce accessibility and could be a health and safety risk, especially if there are poor transitions between them, mismatched materials or awkward step placements.”

“A change in flooring can emphasise the split level for example, but it should be done thoughtfully to maintain cohesion," advises Sean. Contrasting materials like wood and polished concrete, or introducing subtle changes in texture, can be effective when considering your options. Alternatively, a consistent flooring material can provide a sense of continuity, with changes marked by lighting or railings,” he suggests.

“Half levels can also make incorporating voids more easily achievable," adds Melissa Robinson, director at MW Architects, "adding drama and height to lower spaces, or, for example, fire regs permitting allow stairs to be open to the spaces and act as a visual tie between the different levels."

Melissa Robinson

Melissa Robinson is a director and architect MW Architects and has over 14 years experience in the field. With creativity in problem solving and a keen focus on materiality and construction detailing, she ensures realised designs are achieved as intended. Melissa is an active member of the RIBA Small Practice panel advisory group, and is involved in other initiatives such as encouraging young women into architecture.

Benefits of using split level design

“Split level design is great and we use it wherever we can for a number of reasons," says Melissa Robinson. "Some clients are so keen on the idea that we even move floors to create split levels where possible," she adds.

So why is it so popular and what are the benefits?

“In modern-day living, having ‘connected’ spaces is a frequent desire and a split level design inherently lends itself to the spaces having a connection over half levels, as opposed to storeys stacked atop one another,” says Melissa.

"They are also excellent for creating distinct zones within open plan living, providing spatial variety without the need for dividing walls,” adds Sean Ronnie Hill.

And, as well as maximising space, split level design can zone areas for different uses or activities providing privacy and functionality, something that can be beneficial for families where broken plan layouts offer more practicality than a truly open plan space.

Split level spaces can enhance the sense of separation without the need for partitions, while maintaining the open layout of a main level, with sight lines to other floors, can make split level houses feel more spacious than they actually are.

Also, creating a split level layout indoors can enable you to have a seamless connection to the outdoors.

The change in level in one of our projects meant that we proposed a new raised patio to be flush with the internal space,” says Nimi Attanayake, "so it's always good to consider the relationship of the internal and external spaces and the threshold between them before finalising your design."

Staggered levels not only create views across spaces they also allow daylight to reach further into the building, which means they can also be suitable for older properties as well as new self build schemes.

“The flexibility of period houses means they can be interesting to unpick and reimagine the original layouts," says Nimi. "Using split level designs can help bring in light, frame views, play with levels and create courtyards, all of which respond to contemporary requirements."

Looking for more inspiration for your self build or renovation? Why not check out these living room extension ideas, some of which found other creative ways of dealing with different ground levels.