Split-level homes
A split-level home (also called a tri-level home) is a style of house in which the floor level of one part of the house is about half way between a floor and its ceiling of the other part of the house. The one story section typically contains a family room, living room, dining room, and kitchen. There are typically two small sets of stairs that attach the one story section of the house to the two story section. One set leads up, typically to bedrooms and a bathroom. The other set leads down to a large family room and basement area. Often, the basement level also includes the garage and is level with the driveway. The first floor is built halfway between the basement and second floor, with the second floor being above the basement. Alternately, both halves of the house may be two stories tall, with a basement beneath the "first story" section described above. Additions to the house are possible by adding a third floor above the first or expanding outward from any side.
A sidesplit is where the split level is visible from the front elevation of the home. A backsplit is where the split level is only visible from the side elevation. The front elevations shows only a single story and the two stories are in the back.
Includes two short sets of stairs and two levels. The entry is between floors. The front door opens to a landing. One short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor; another short flight of stairs leads down. The top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. The lower floor often has lower ceilings and is partially below ground. However, in many modern split foyer homes the lower level is at grade, which necessitates an outdoor staircase to reach the front door. These homes often also have very high ceilings on the lower level to accommodate the home's HVAC ducting.
Stacked Split Level
The stacked split level has four or five short sets of stairs, and five or more levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two levels. The front door opens into a foyer, and two short sets of stairs typically lead down to a basement and up to some sort of living area (often the kitchen or the living room). The next living area is on top of the foyer (containing either the kitchen or the living room), and another short set of stairs typically leads to at least one bedroom, located on top of the first living area. Often additional bedrooms are 'stacked' on top of the second living area, hence the name 'stacked split level'. This type of construction is typically used for townhouses.
Split Level
The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors. The front door opens directly into what is usually the formal living area. This mid-level floor houses Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, and has a short flight of stairs leading up to bedrooms, and another short flight of stairs leading down to informal living areas and garage.
Split Entry-Foyer
The Split Entry has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry between floors. The front door opens in a foyer or entry area located in a wing off the main house. From the entry, a short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor and another short flight leads down. Usually resembles a three-level or split-level from the exterior, but is actually a bi-level with an entry wing. In most cases this entry area is part of a garage wing. In others, the entry area might be a separate living room wing.
Raised Ranch
The raised ranch has one full flight of stairs, and two levels. The entry at lower floor. A full flight of stairs, usually near the front door, leads up to the living level. Top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Bedrooms. Lower floor often has lower ceilings. Although door is at or nearly at grade, sometimes the back and/or a side of the house is partially below ground. Many have the appearance of a ranch house that has been stretched upward and had the door lowered.
Advantages
The split-level home offers a convenient way to accommodate uneven property during construction. Since the main floor is about halfway above the basement, the house can be built into the side of a slope or soft hill, providing a very efficient use of space.
Moving throughout this type of home can be easier for people with disabilities, since fewer steps are required to go from the bedrooms to the rest of the house when compared with a traditional two-story house.
In an area where the amount of floors is limited by local law, split-level home offers more floors while in the same time adhere to the local law.
Disadvantages
Since the first floor and driveway are at uneven levels, stairs must be built to connect the entrance to the driveway, which can pose safety threats in icy conditions. Also, this type of house tends to include many stairs, which can be a problem for the elderly and others with impaired mobility, children must also be watched more attentively due to the many flights of stairs that they could fall down.
Homes may also be more prone to uneven heating and cooling, but this varies from house to house. The split-level design, however, aggravates the problem.
In contrast to traditional and historic homes, the primary focal point for pedestrians of a split level home tends to be the large garage doors presented to the street, rather than the doorway. Many architects and urbanists have been critical of this element due to its celebration of cars rather than inhabitants.
The garage to the front's resemblance to a snout and bedroom windows to eyes have led to the nickname 'pig houses' in some circles.
Regional Variance in Usage
In some regions such as the Northeastern United States, the term "split level" is used to refer to a bilevel house with a split entry. This style of house is also known as a "split foyer." This is a two-story house that has a small entrance foyer with stairs that "split"—half a flight of stairs go up (usually to the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms) and half a flight of stairs go down (usually to a family room and garage/storage area). This style is very popular in other areas of the country as well.
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