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.
