John T. Brugger Jr. and Edward Lehman Homes: the advantages of a split-level

The Split-Level plan is really a device for placing a house on the side of a hill. It is not until the middle of the 19th century that we see attention given to the problem of building on a sloping site.

An early example is shown at left from a book on houses published during mid-19th century.

English country houses of the later 19th century and American houses built in the English style frequently make use of changes in level.

The American split-level house of today probably originated when some ingenious designer saw a way of building a type of ranch house on a hillside. But the split-level has become so well regarded that they are often built on flat ground. The split-level house is popular, too, for the way the change of levels provides drama and interest not possible in houses with more conventional floor plans.

NO WASTED SPACE: Because practically all the space on each level can be finished, the split level provides more total living space than the same size house of a different style. And the different levels help insure privacy for various family activities.

FITS PROBLEM LOTS: The split level takes advantage of hillside lots resulting in an unusually exciting style. Smart looking on flat ground, too.

MINIMIZES PLUMBING COSTS: Additional bathroom and laundry facilities are possible for little additional cost by vertical alignment of plumbing.