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.
Obviously, every house that is built today is really contemporary; what we mean when we call a house "Contemporary" is that it incorporates design and planning ideas developed mainly during the 20th century. Of course, no one really thinks that the colonial house on the corner, with two-car garage, central heat, and an electric kitchen, was actually built in the 18th century. Perhaps a better definition of a contemporary house would be that it not only looks as if it were built today, but it looks happy that this is the case. Thirty years ago almost no one believed that it was possible to build a contemporary home and achieve a pleasing result. This house by Frank Lloyd Wright is one of several that led the way.
Today, more and more people are proving that we were wrong not to have more confidence. Architects and builders have broken with tradition and established the contemporary as an exciting, imaginative home style.
INCORPORATES THE OUTDOORS: Glass walls, patios, sun porches bring the outdoors right into the house and let the interior spill into its surroundings. Gardens become convenient living areas, patios turn into entertainment centers.
THE EXCITEMENT OF MODERN DESIGN: A contemporary home incorporates many of today's most advanced architectural features and living ideas. It provides great opportunities for exciting expressions of your own taste and imagination.
OPEN INTERIOR PLANNING: Open planning makes the rooms of a contemporary home flow together, creating a delightfully spacious effect-even in a small home.
The solid wall of glass, cathedral-type ceiling in the living room and the double fireplace mark this house as a true 20th century creation. 4000 sq. ft.
The circular stairway and dramatic indoor-outdoor balconies are features that make this 3-story contemporary unusual. 3300 sq. ft. plus 1100 sq. ft. in the bottom level.
As is typical of many contemporaries, this house features lots of glass and open planning of the main living areas. 1000 sq. ft. plus carport.
The straight alignment of rooms and the lower level living room are two of the special features that class this home as a contemporary. 2200 sq. ft.
A contemporary built around a center patio which completely separates the master bedroom from the other sleeping area. Vertical grooved siding is used to create a continuous, simple exterior design. 1450 sq. ft.
Even though very economical to build because of the simple roof structure and floor plan, this small contemporary still has uniqueness of its own. 850 sq. ft. plus carport.
For little extra money, this plan makes good use of the lower levels providing extra living space for the entire family. 1200 sq. ft. including garage.
The long, slightly broken, horizontal roof design and the contrasting vertical siding with wood batten strips highlight the exterior design of this attractive split level. 2000 sq. ft. plus carport.
The three front-to-back levels of this home demand that it be in a unique class of its own. The two balconies and vertical siding accent the home's exterior. 3800 sq. ft. including garage.
Dramatic, four levels completely segment each area of this home. Irregular roof lines, large glass panels, and three terraces are a few of this home's unique complements. 2900 sq. ft. plus garage.
Open planning gives this inexpensive ranch house a feeling of spaciousness. Pleasing design variation is achieved by combining horizontal and vertical grooved siding. 860 sq. ft. plus breezeway and garage.
Even though not expensive, the unique side entrance off the patio, two-car garage, and big living room put this home in a special class of its own. 1475 sq. ft. plus garage and patio.
The attractive shutters, double fireplace, and sliding glass doors leading to the patio are special features that take this home out of the ordinary class. 1100 sq. ft. plus carport and patio.
Separate bedroom and bath areas provide maximum privacy for family and guests. Note the interesting exterior of stone and siding. 2100 sq. ft. plus patio and garage.
Built around the attractive forecourt, this home effectively separates the sleeping, living, eating, and recreation areas. The long gallery and entry areas open into the court. 2900 sq. ft. including garage.
Dramatic rambling design almost completely surrounded by flagstone terrace. Expanse of glass along back walls seems to bring the outdoors into every area of the home. 3700 sq. ft. including garage.
