Three possible answers to a slope. We design all three.
A sloping block in Sydney has three possible answers: split level, cut-and-fill with single storey, or tiered stepping. The right answer depends on site fall, soil type, cost tolerance, and planning controls. Marvel Homes designs and builds all three on sloping sites across Sydney, and the decision is made during the paid pre-construction phase, not guessed at quote stage.
Book a design consultationSplit, cut-and-fill, or stepped.
Split level
Usually cheapest for 1 to 3 metre fall. Living zones sit at the natural flats and excavation is minimised. The split level home builder page covers how we detail the set-down and the airtightness layer across levels.
Cut-and-fill with single storey
Suits gentle slopes (under 1 metre) and clients who prioritise single-level living. The cost trade-off is additional excavation and retaining.
Stepped or tiered
For steep falls (over 3 metres) with the house following the land. Visually striking, higher design complexity, and often the only viable approach on very steep sites.
Site survey, geotech and cost-option comparison before contract.
A contour survey to 100mm, a geotechnical report, solar orientation modelling, and a cost-option comparison all happen during pre-construction. The output is a documented recommendation with costs for the top two options, so you make an informed choice before contract, not after.
Frequently asked
- Any fall over 500mm across the building footprint is worth evaluating. Beyond 1 metre, design choice materially affects cost.
Send the contour survey.
The fastest way to get a useful answer on a sloping block is to send us the contour survey and the block title. We come back in a week.