Residential lots near waterways are likely to come with characteristics that make each one a unique opportunity to build a memorable family home.
Sloping terrain is a consistent feature of residential lots looking out over Kororoit Creek.
Tucker Hrushit, General Manager at luxury custom home builder Elements, says that people are sometimes afraid of sloping blocks, “but what they really miss out on is that they present a lot of opportunities to you.”
Assess the block and its fall
Start by understanding the nature of the land before any design work begins. Sloping blocks vary in degree and direction of fall, which affects the design strategy.
Tucker explains typical slope ratios around Modeina.
“You’d have probably 1 in 40 in some blocks, and some blocks you’ll have 1 in 20 as well… especially the ones facing Kororoit Creek.”
He says that fear of slope shouldn’t be a worry.
Choose a builder with sloping block expertise
Selecting a builder experienced in sloping blocks at the outset reduces risk and maximises design potential.
Tucker notes that standard plans just don’t work on sloping blocks.
“When you take a standard floor plan and try and force it on a sloping block, it really doesn’t end up giving you the result you need.
“Our specialty is integrating the design with the builder requirements and the client’s expectation so the cost doesn’t blow out.”
This early collaboration and alignment ensures design decisions are informed by construction feasibility and cost control.
Embrace the terrain in the design
Design should follow the natural fall rather than fighting it.
“You don’t really need to have a flat slab and a flat ceiling,” Tucker says. “It gives you the character of being able to step the house according to the fall, to have the house follow the natural terrain.”
This includes:
- Split levels
- Stepped internal floor zones
- Elevated living spaces
- Opportunities for higher internal ceilings
“You get the higher ceilings, you get the steps, a couple of steps or steps in the house… the character that you get from it.” – Tucker Hrushit, General Manager, Elements
Incorporate site work and retaining in the planning process
A major practical step is planning earthworks and retaining structures. The placement and design are crucial to both cost and usability.
Tucker notes that the benefit of smart design offsets some of the additional costs that might be incurred.
“Yes, it does cost more to build on a split level or a sloping block, but that can be controlled… you’ve got to put the retaining walls and the split level edge beams in the right places.”
Retaining walls can also enhance frontage.
“Having the retaining wall at the front allows the house to be elevated from the street when the land is falling from back to front.”
Prepare for excavation and stabilisation early, but understand that good design early mitigates excessive cost later.
Customise the floor plan to the land
Avoid using generic or off-the-shelf plans.
Tucker emphasises this point – “We don’t really take just a plan and say, okay, we’ll customise it or modify it… we work with you and develop a plan that suits your requirements.”
Custom design ensures:
- Efficient use of space
- Optimal orientation for views
- Minimized retaining where possible
- Integration with services (driveway, outdoor living, pool)
This approach also gives room for design features like Feng Shui, views and lifestyle elements:
“In Modeina you’ve got the beautiful views of Kororoit Creek and the sloping blocks are facing the creek… you’ve got a dual advantage of having half the character with the view.”
Ask questions early for clarity
Tackle these questions up-front in the planning stages.
- What are the site costs going to be like?
- What’s a side yard going to be like?
- Are we going to be having excessive retaining walls?
- Are we going to be above the street or lower than the street?
Clear visualisations and early cost estimates help clients move forward confidently.
Optimise internal features for the sloping block
A well-designed sloping block home takes advantage of the slope with volume and spatial features.
Tucker says that clients are increasingly going for 3 metre ceilings to set their house apart.
“Once the walls are plastered you get to feel the volume of the spaces.”
With split levels, internal volume increases dramatically.
“Split level homes… that’s when you get the 3.6 metre, 3.9 metre ceilings in the front… and that just gives a very grand feel to the house,” he points out.
These features add real lifestyle value and architectural distinction.