It is not difficult to build a foundation on a flat area with modern technology. However, sometimes sites for future construction are located on steep slopes. Houses located on sloping surfaces have their advantages: they are better protected from wind and flooding, and are more affordable. In addition, the mountain usually offers impressive views. But under the influence of heavy precipitation and soil water, the soil gradually softens.
In the future, this can lead to a shift in the upper layers of the soil. To protect yourself from unpleasant consequences, you should choose and build the foundation correctly. This article will tell you how to do this.
Peculiarities
Building a foundation for a house on a slope is a difficult process that requires a special approach and adherence to technology, because the foundation is the main component of every building. For a sloping surface, a strip, pile or stepped base is usually chosen.
First you need to calculate the angle of inclination, measured as a percentage. If the slope is around the 10 percent mark, this indicates a high slope. The steeper the slope, the more effort and materials may be required. If the angle of inclination does not exceed eight percent, then the foothill part can be covered with soil. If the angle is more than eight percent, then you will have to build a basement.
It is worth remembering that the foundation on a site with a slope cannot be higher than four times its width. Before construction, the site must be divided into squares and landslide measures must be taken on each of them.
Kinds
Strip foundation is one of the most popular designs today. However, experts advise building this type of foundation only on slopes with a minimum slope. It is also worth considering various contraindications for surveyors.
The strip foundation is a closed contour of reinforced concrete beams and is laid under both external and internal walls, if necessary. This type is ideal for structures with heavy floors, as well as if plans include creating a basement. There are two types of strip base: monolithic and prefabricated.
A pile foundation is a durable structure made of piles that are buried in the ground and connected at the top by supports. Many experts agree that pile foundations are the best for erecting load-bearing structures on slopes. This is an effective and practical option for arranging a foundation at any depth.
The installation process is simple, although it requires special equipment. In addition, this type is cost-effective compared to other options. Piles can be made of wood, reinforced concrete or metal. Heaving soils (clay, loam, sandy loam) have special requirements. Here a pile foundation is also appropriate.
Tape
Pile
The columnar type is also suitable for constructing a foundation on a slope. It involves the erection of pillars in all corners. However, you need to take into account some nuances when constructing it: each pillar must be supported by a supporting wall, which enhances the stability of the foundation. The columnar version is economical and reliable and does not require additional waterproofing. But it is applicable only for wooden or frame houses.
The stepped foundation has a cascade arrangement in the form of ledges. It is suitable for slopes with great steepness, if surface leveling cannot be done for some reason. The general slope of this option fully corresponds to the natural slope of the site. Laying a stepped foundation looks like a classic concrete strip, constructed from steps of different heights.
A slab foundation with a difference in height on a site with a slope is the optimal solution for the construction of houses and cottages made of brick, aerated concrete and other materials. This base option provides reliable support for low-rise buildings and is particularly durable.
Columnar
Stepped
Slab
When constructing a slab foundation, a continuous foundation of monolithic reinforced concrete is created at a small depth. The weight of the walls and roof is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the base. This design will be able to withstand any ground movement. The disadvantage of a slab foundation is the high costs of installation and materials.
How to choose a project?
When deciding which foundation is more suitable for a basement on an uneven area, it is necessary to determine the level of elevation difference, as well as conduct a study of the type of soil in the area. Poorly thought out construction on a slope can ultimately result in a ground collapse. It is better to invite specialists to calculate the necessary calculations.
If the angle of inclination:
- less than 3% is a flat surface;
- from 3% to 8% – low slope;
- up to 20% – average slope;
- more than 20% – steep slope.
In the first two options, it is possible to construct a strip foundation. If it is impossible to level the surface or the angle of inclination increases, a tape-step type is erected. For large slopes, only a columnar base is suitable. But a pile foundation is suitable for any slopes.
As for the type of soil, it is divided into:
- gristly - durable soil made of sand, clay and crushed stone;
- sandy – easily allows moisture to pass through;
- rocky - the most durable, but does not allow moisture to pass through;
- clayey – easily swells and freezes.
The more moisture in the soil, the more it swells when it freezes, pushing the foundation out of the soil. Therefore, in difficult soils, the base is placed below the freezing level.
When building a strip foundation, one part of the base is immersed deep into the slope. Installing such a foundation is a costly undertaking, but if you are planning to build a brick or concrete house, then the strip option will be the best choice.
A pile foundation can be used for the construction of any type of building, be it a residential building, a garage or a bathhouse, as well as at any angle of inclination. With this option for constructing the foundation, it can be used for any purpose. The only drawback of the pile type is the impossibility of building a house with a basement.
Also, the choice of foundation type depends on whether you want to use the basement for a basement, wine cellar, living room or garage to save space. Don't forget about retaining structures. They help prevent landslide processes when it is impossible to change the surface topography. Such structures for different types of foundations on uneven surfaces can be presented in the form of support slabs and beams, pile structures and pillars, buttresses and fillings, rims and facing walls.
How to do it?
To properly install the foundation with your own hands, you must adhere to a certain technological sequence. If you want to build a house from concrete or brick, choosing a strip foundation would be an ideal option. A monolithic strip foundation does not require long construction times. In addition, the construction of a strip foundation on an uneven surface is not very different from the construction of similar buildings on flat ground.
The bottom of the pit must be strictly horizontal. Before pouring, a cushion of concrete or sand is placed on the bottom. It is necessary in order to reduce pressure on the ground. Before lining, formwork is installed, rising above the ground level to a height equal to the parameters of the basement floor. Moreover, on the sloping part of the site the formwork will be of greater height. Next, the reinforcement is laid inside the foundation. Then you need to pour the concrete.
It must be poured continuously in layers of 20 cm. In this case, it is important to correctly calculate in advance the volume of concrete that will be needed during installation.
A column foundation is suitable for light private houses. It can be made of monolithic reinforced concrete or factory-produced concrete blocks. It is recommended to follow certain step-by-step instructions.
- To begin with, a retaining wall is erected at the top of the site.
- Next, according to the same scheme, a retaining wall is erected in the lower part.
- Soil is poured between the support strips with layer-by-layer compaction. This will allow the upper platform to contain the collapse of the soil.
- Along the perimeter of the house, holes are made, the dimensions of which must correspond to the parameters of the pillars.
- The foundation is made in pits. In this case, the edges of individual pillars must be carefully aligned in height.
- The grillage is made along the edge of the house foundation.
Pile foundation, which is the most economical, is suitable for steep slopes and unstable soils. The piles are screwed into the ground in such a way that their heads are at the same level. The process also consists of several stages.
- At the top point, a pile is buried, the visible part of which is equal to the height of the base along the smaller dimension.
- Next, the next corner pile is installed, the length of the visible part of which is equal to the length of the base in the larger designation.
- Then all pile elements are installed so that the top point of each is horizontal.
- The pile foundation can be strengthened using reinforced concrete clips, which are installed along the entire length of the piles.
In the first two articles, we talked about how terrain features influence the construction of a house and how best to place your building in the existing landscape of the site. Let’s complete the series of articles with a story about exactly how the direction of the slope of the area affects the choice of location for a house.
Location of the house on a plot with a southern or eastern slope
The southern slopes, of course, are warmed more by the sun. Therefore, you should try to orient your living quarters to the east, southeast or south. By locating the house on a southern slope, you can save resources on heating the building during the heating season. There is enough warmth on the south-eastern and eastern slopes. These directions are especially favorable for areas with cold climates. For warm areas, such slopes are good because it gets cool earlier. If you place the entrance to the house on the south side, then there will be less snow in the winter and it will melt faster in the spring. The southern slope receives less wind, and the sun warms up more, illuminating the rooms and the terrace. When implementing, for example, a project for a two-story house with a garage, it is worth placing it on the southern slope closer to the eastern border of the land allocation.
Location of the house on a plot with a northern slope
It is not recommended to place houses on northern slopes, unless we are talking about a site located in a hot climate. If it is necessary to determine a place for a house on the northern slope, then build it in the middle, as close as possible to its western border.
Location of the house on a site with a western slope
Western slopes are known for being very hot in the afternoon sun, so they are also not recommended for construction. This applies to all climatic regions. If there is a site for construction located on the western or eastern slopes, then the house should be located at its northern border at its highest point, placing all outbuildings below.
Pocket of cold
When placing a house on rough terrain, you should take into account the flow of cold air that descends at night. An obstacle in the form of a house wall that appears in his way contributes to the formation of a “frost pocket” or “cold pocket”, the temperature in which will be 9 degrees lower than the environment.
Winter Garden
If you plan to decorate the house with a winter garden, then it is ideal to attach it to the north side. In addition to its main purpose, this room will serve as a thermal buffer. In addition, you can avoid installing sun protection devices and not be afraid that the plants will be exposed to direct sunlight. It is better to orient the open part of the winter garden towards the slope.
Basic rules for locating a house on a relief site:
- It is worth ensuring a distance of at least 6 meters from the living rooms of the house to buildings on the neighboring site.
- If the size of the plot allows, it is worth removing premises for animals, toilets and compost pits at a distance of 15 meters from the house, placing them at the bottom of the slope.
- You can free up space for passage on the site by moving the house to the border of the territory (relevant for those who have chosen a two-story garage project).
Any uneven terrain complicates the preparatory work for construction:
- The house construction project must be developed individually, linking it to the existing conditions of the area.
- The project must take into account the location of the site and its slope.
- Before you start developing a project, you need to perform complex calculations.
- If you prefer to design a two-story house with a basement, you should pay special attention to the issue of insulating the building surfaces adjacent to the ground from the effects of groundwater.
- It may also be difficult to build terraces or excavate part of a slope to build a basement.
All these factors require additional financial investments. But in many cases, uneven terrain can inspire bold experiments to create a non-boring modern home. Proper organization of the site for construction and the location of the house and other buildings on the site, taking into account its characteristics, will make the site unique.
Doesn't occur. But if construction takes place on a slope, then the task becomes much more complicated. Today, houses on a slope are popular. They are aesthetically more attractive and unusual in themselves. When deciding to build such a house, it is important to take into account many nuances. And first of all, remember that the layout of the room will depend on the site.
Projects of houses on a slope
Before you build a house on a slope, you need to create a project correctly. All further construction will depend on this. Even if the terrain has obvious shortcomings, they can be cleverly played up and made into a landmark of the structure. When creating a house project, you need to know what terrain slopes there are:
- A flat area of terrain that has a slope of no more than 3%.
- Terrain with a slight slope of 3 to 8%.
- Terrain with an average slope of up to 20%.
- Steep terrain from 20%.
The optimal areas for construction work are options with a slope of 3 to 8%. But if the area has a slope of more than 8%, then it is recommended to know the principles of construction on such terrain. So, designs for houses on a slope can be varied, it all depends on the area and the literacy of the architect.
Construction on a slight slope
Building a house on a site with a slope of 8 to 20% has its own characteristics. At first glance, the angle is small, but it requires a special approach. When designing such houses, it is imperative to include a floor of the premises buried below ground level. It does not require a flat site for construction. In order to build the basement, part of the earth is cut out. It can be built together with the foundation. For houses on small slopes, the basement floor is simply irreplaceable. The material used for its construction is the same as for the foundation. They mainly use concrete blocks, monoliths, and bricks.
Significantly expands the territory of the building and can be used as a garage, utility room or sauna. It all depends on the wishes of the customer. If the slope allows vehicle access to the basement floor, then this is an excellent solution for a garage. It is best to choose an uneven building site on dry and elevated terrain. This will help solve a number of drainage problems. It is advisable to equip the walls of the house with waterproofing material, especially where there is contact with the ground. It is also recommended to install waterproofing under the foundation.
Building a house on a steep slope
Houses on steep slopes with a slope of more than 20% require a special approach. For this type of development, a special project is created, which will take into account all the features of the area. Most of these houses have many tiers and terraces.
The design of such a building is attractive because many rooms will have individual exits. And utility and non-residential premises will be located at different levels.
A house on a mountain with terraces gives architects the opportunity to show all their imagination. The main task of such development is to transform the slope into several working surfaces. The buildings are located on horizontal platforms, and they are connected by various steps. Terraces must be equipped with special supports; they take on the entire load. Also, a house on terraces has many possibilities. These rooms can be used as recreation areas, balconies and verandas.
Features of the foundation of houses on a slope
Modern construction allows you to build a foundation on any terrain with different slopes. Of course, the best site for development is a slope of no more than 3%. But if the house is on a mountain, then the foundation will be different:
- A slope greater than 8% requires the construction of a basement floor. The foundation will be of a strip type with waterproofing.
- Houses on slopes with a slope of more than 20% need a support base. The foundation will consist of stepped or screw type piles.
Some nuances should be taken into account:
- It is recommended to waterproof the basement floor, as it may flood. And if this happens, the consequences will be serious.
- Thermal insulation must be present.
- Drainage protection is necessary to prevent the foundation from collapsing.
A foundation on a slope has both a load-bearing and an aesthetic function. It can be used as an additional room or, with the help of its unusual external design, give the building an original appearance.
Features of designing houses on a slope
Projects for houses on a slope are created so that the building is built from top to bottom. First of all, you need to start from the living space and attach various terraces with basement floors to it. It is important that the plan of the ground floor completely coincides with the layout of the walls of the first. This structure is load-bearing and will be subject to a large load. When planning the basement floor, it is recommended to follow safety rules. You should not set up a boiler room in it and store items that can easily ignite. This could cause the entire house to catch fire.
A residential building on a slope is a very attractive prospect, especially if it offers beautiful views.
But do not forget that when creating a project, you may encounter some difficulties:
- Depending on the area, the finished project will need to be modified.
- Due to the characteristics of the soil, problems may arise in the operation of special equipment.
- It is recommended to make accurate calculations and take into account all environmental factors.
- Moisture that flows down the slopes can destroy the foundation, so it should be well waterproofed.
Advantages of houses on a slope
Projects of houses on a slope are complex, but at the same time they feature interesting design solutions. Such buildings have many positive aspects:
- Design solutions and experiments with height differences.
- Possibility of laying water supply at different levels. The lower tier has a sewer system, and the upper floors have a water supply.
- Saving money by building on uneven terrain.
- Several exits and a terrace for relaxation, as well as dividing the house into zones.
Disadvantages of building houses on a slope
When faced with the construction of houses on slopes with a variety of slopes, you need to be aware of its disadvantages. And also prepare for all possible difficulties that may arise during the operation of the building.
So, the negative aspects of houses on slopes include:
- Ground movements and landslides, which can disrupt the integrity of the foundation.
- Difficulties in construction according to standard projects.
- There is no uniform lighting in all rooms.
- It is difficult for elderly people to get home.
For those who love nature and comfort, as well as interesting design solutions, a house on a slope is the best choice.
Building a house is a troublesome task, and if the terrain of the site is not level, this causes additional difficulties. But a competent designer can still make this a winning feature.
A house on a sloped area always requires more careful care and protection. It is more susceptible to atmospheric phenomena than others and therefore an important design stage is the development of natural and artificial protection. Landscape design must be thought out, which, in addition to the aesthetic function, will also have a protective function - strengthen the slopes and partially protect from the wind.
The best option when choosing a site would be the highest point on the hill. This will protect your home from excessive moisture due to groundwater, which is quite important. Indeed, with a large number of them, constant reconstruction of the building will be necessary, which entails serious costs.
In addition, the soil in such places is very wet, which greatly increases the cost and complicates excavation work, and makes the construction of a strong, reliable foundation unlikely.
Also, the advantage of building a home on elevated areas is that in the lowlands such a phenomenon as a cold pocket often occurs. This is due to obstruction of air circulation in the lower parts of the hills, causing cold air to accumulate in one place. This can lead to a significant drop in temperature, which is extremely undesirable for a residential building.
Another advantage of choosing a site to build a higher house is the ability to avoid drainage problems. If the base is sandy, surface drainage will be sufficient, but if it is clay, then it is necessary to take care of the drainage of the foundation.
Project of a house on a mountainside, difficulties you may encounter
Building a house on a site with difficult terrain has a number of limitations, which significantly affects the cost, but it is worth it. If at the design stage you think through to the smallest detail the location of the object, the layout of the local area and design features, then such a house will delight its owners for many years.
In order for the construction of a cottage on a slope to be optimal, there are several ways to plan a construction site and options for designing a house. The most popular of them is the construction of a cottage with a basement that is cut into the slope. Typically, the construction of such a house requires an individual project.
In addition, the building site can be leveled by adding soil. This option is quite economical and will not limit the possibilities at the design stage. Another way is to cut off the soil layer. But it is better not to resort to such a drastic measure, since the natural structure of the relief will be disrupted, which can lead to a lot of negative consequences.
An excellent choice could be to build a house at different levels, which does not disturb the natural topography. In the hands of an experienced architect, this can become a magnificent design project, very ergonomic, filled with many non-standard solutions.
House designs for plots with a slope - the best choice of location
Regardless of what surface structure the relief has, be it mountains or depressions, in any case it is always determined by the magnitude of the slope. Slope is the difference between two points that are located on opposite sides of the site being built, which is the percentage ratio between the highest point of the slope and the width of the site. Depending on its size, the following types of slopes and house design options can be distinguished:
- Projects of houses on a site with a slope of up to 3% - can be either standard or individual
- From 3% to 8% requires an individual project, or a significant change to the standard one, taking into account all the individual features of the relief
- Sick 8% - individual project only
A slope of 3% is considered a flat area for development and is even a positive thing. When it comes to sewerage drainage, this is the best option, which is often created artificially. From 3% to 8% - small slope. The best solution would be to build a house without a basement. This type of relief is optimal for designing a house with a basement that can be very successfully cut into a slope. If the steepness is average (from 8% to 20%), then the project is developed individually. A good solution would be to create a home with several tiers, separate entrances to each of them and terraces. This is a large field for implementing creative projects and creating the home of your dreams. When a value of more than 20% is a very steep slope, the design and construction of a house requires a large material investment and unlimited time. Most likely, the cottage will consist of several terraces, each of which is individually strengthened and fixed with retaining walls.
Projects of houses on a slope with a basement
The most popular type of structures on the slope. Most likely, it will be visible from the outside on one side and have an asymmetrical shape, since part of the floor will cut into the slope. However, if you try, you can design an excellent functional rectangular room. It is better to build houses with a basement when the groundwater level is low, otherwise there is a risk of flooding or at least constant high humidity. In any case, high-quality waterproofing is necessary.
In addition to all that has been said, it is worth noting that an important circumstance in addition to steepness is the orientation of the terrain. The most suitable for the construction of residential buildings are the southern and south-eastern slopes of the elevations. This is due to optimal insolation and savings on heating, because the winds from the south are softer. Accordingly, when building a house on the north-west side, solar lighting will be insufficient and additional heating will be required.
Development projects of houses and cottages on a slope quite an expensive process. You should not skimp if you decide to take such a step. A carefully thought-out design of the cottage itself and the surrounding area will be the key to fast, high-quality and successful construction of your new home, which will serve you for decades.
Building a gazebo
A gazebo is a structure that is constantly exposed to external influences of the environment and weather conditions, which requires the construction of gazebos using materials that are durable and resistant to external natural factors.
In most cases, wood that has undergone special antiseptic treatment is used. For the construction of a gazebo, coniferous wood species such as spruce, pine, larch and cedar are most often used, and birch is used a little less often. Some cases concern the use of expensive ornamental species.
Stone gazebo
For gazebos built using stone or brick, a foundation is simply necessary, as it gives the structure maximum stability.
In some cases, the construction of a gazebo requires a foundation, which is laid using brick, natural stone, cement and any other material that is used in such a case.
Very often, when glazing a gazebo, a frame is used, the binding of which is made up of small cells, which allows the use of both silicate and organic glass.
To prevent the interior of the gazebo from getting rain and other precipitation, as well as to protect it from the wind, the gazebo is equipped with a reliable roof, which is also the final link in the construction of the structure, thereby giving it a finished look.
Foundation as the basis of a gazebo
In some cases, a gazebo or gazebo is installed on a platform paved with decorative stone tiles, which also serves as the floor of the gazebo (photo 2).
The need to lay a foundation appears if the soil of the site is close to groundwater, which can rise to the top layer of soil.
In addition, a foundation is necessary if the construction of the structure will take place on a slope.
Project of a house on a slope with a basement: the most important nuances of its implementation
Wooden gazebo on an elevated platform
In some cases, a gazebo or gazebo is installed on a platform paved with decorative stone tiles, which also serves as the floor of the gazebo.
As you can see in photo 1, a foundation is simply necessary for gazebos built using stone or brick, since it gives the structure maximum stability, and the work itself will begin with laying the foundation.
After you have finally decided on the choice and layout of the site, it must be carefully leveled.
You can also remove the top layer of soil by about a bayonet or one and a half. Subsequently, this soil can be used in flower beds or beds.
The next stage of construction will consist of digging a shallow trench around the perimeter of the future structure (30x40 cm), constructing formwork and then filling this trench with a concrete solution.
After the mortar has completely hardened, you can begin building the walls and roof.
The floor of the gazebo can also be filled with concrete, on which decorative ceramic or stone tiles are subsequently laid.
If the gazebo is wooden, then the foundation design will be different.
In the place where the support pillars will be located, holes are dug, the depth of which should not exceed 30 cm, then small brick pillars are installed in them, but so that they look out of the holes to a height of two bricks. The holes near the pillars must be filled with earth and compacted.
A waterproofing gasket made of fiberglass is laid on the protruding surface of the brick columns, and after its installation, work begins on laying thick beams that serve as lining for future walls.
The next stage will be the installation and fastening of the supporting vertical posts, the axis of which should coincide with the axis of the supporting brick pillars. Then work is carried out to install the logs on which the floorboards will be laid.
Photo 3. Gazebo on a slope
A foundation is necessary if the construction of the structure will take place on a slope or hill.
In cases where the gazebo will have a hexagonal shape, the logs should be installed so that the end of the first beam rests on the frame beam on the first pillar, and the second end on the third brick pillar.
The remaining logs are installed in a similar order. Then, in accordance with the drawings, a number of vertical boards are placed on the lower and intermediate trim, which will serve as the walls of the gazebo, and only then the floor is laid from planed boards, the thickness of which should not exceed forty centimeters.
You can use not only long, but also short boards, which are laid symmetrically and connected using insert elements, such as tongue and groove.
In order to prevent wood rotting, all wooden parts of the structure must be treated with an antiseptic composition.
The method for preparing this composition is very simple: you need to take 4.5 liters of water and 120-130 grams of sodium fluoride. This solution is enough to treat ten square meters.
In order to install a gazebo on a slope (photo 3), it is necessary to prepare a horizontal area equal to the perimeter of the building.
The foundation is made as described a little above.
Landscape design of a site on a slope
A plot on a slope almost always seems to potential buyers not to be the most attractive way to invest.
Naturally, unlike flat areas, it will require additional financial costs for its improvement, and such a prospect will not suit everyone.
Let's try to study in more detail the process of landscaping a site on a slope and consider its most significant stages.
Pros and cons of a site on a slope
According to experts, such complex, at first glance, territories can turn out to be quite a suitable place for building a house, arranging a vegetable garden or a picturesque garden, and all the efforts made will ultimately be justified by the beauty and originality of the resulting landscape.
Practice shows that it is on sloping areas that it is most convenient to create colorful rock gardens and rockeries, and to arrange artificial waterfalls, which are built with great difficulty on flat surfaces.
Among the possible problems associated with landscaping a site on a slope, landscape designers note the area's openness to the wind and heavy clay soils.
All other sides of such a territory are rightfully considered advantageous.
Methods for landscaping a site on a slope
For landscaping purposes, a wide range of methods are used, the most common of which are:
— Geoplastics is a method involving the artificial formation of relief;
— Terracing - strengthening horizontal ledges of earth with retaining walls.
In practice, both of these methods are usually combined with each other, which allows achieving excellent results.
Thus, a multi-level plot with artificially created terraces looks much more impressive than flat garden areas - especially if it is equipped not with classic straight ones, but with gracefully curved retaining walls.
Main stages of transformation
The improvement of the territory going down the slope is carried out in several stages.
Projects of houses on a slope
Experts first determine the slope of the site based on the ratio of its height to the horizontal plane of the base. Next, markings of the territory are applied to the plan, dividing it into separate strips - the so-called. “terrace areas”, the dimensions of which allow you to place a house, outbuildings, vegetable garden, garden, flower garden and other objects in their space.
They unite the disparate space into a single whole with the help of small wide stairs and the already mentioned retaining walls, which not only protect the ground from sliding, but also act as a spectacular decoration of the terraces themselves.
The arrangement of terraces begins from the highest point of the site, gradually moving down the slope.
In this case, the earth cut from the upper platforms is transferred down, using it to create terraces of the second and third levels.
Each platform is secured with retaining walls that prevent the soil from sliding and serve as the basis for the underlying terrace. The materials for these structures can be:
- massive logs, wooden beams;
— gabions – containers made of durable metal mesh filled with rubble, large crushed stone, pebbles, etc.;
— pergons – lattice welded structures with the same filling as gabions;
- concrete and decorative slabs.
Small (up to 1 m), vertical walls are usually erected from strong logs, the lower part of which is pre-treated with antiseptic drugs and anti-rotting agents.
A wooden retaining wall is installed in the ground to a depth of 45-50 cm, after which it is covered with waterproofing material on the backfill side and proceeds to arranging the terrace. It is desirable that the wall slope varies within 8-10°, which will allow the structure to maintain the soil pressure of the constructed site.
In recent years, pergons and gabions - lattice and wire boxes, the space of which is filled with stone - have been increasingly used in landscaping areas on slopes (read more in the article DIY Gabions).
Such structures not only successfully cope with their primary function - holding soil on the terraces, but also act as their spectacular decoration.
Areas reinforced with retaining walls made of rubble stone, horizontal beams and wooden saw cuts look original. Another popular option among landscape designers is concrete retaining walls lined with pellet or sandstone. In this case, the method of laying the wall is very interesting, which involves facing it with stones, similar to the principle of laying tiles.
All stone fragments of such masonry are held together with a mixture of earth, sand and cement.
In the future, aubrieta, garden saxifrage and other unpretentious plants that can adequately decorate the landscape will be able to take root in the spaces between the stones.
The advantage of concrete and stone structures is that, due to their strength characteristics, the height of retaining walls can be increased to two meters (although many designers do not recommend exceeding the optimal limit of 0.6-1 m).
When constructing retaining walls made of stone or concrete, you must first lay a foundation under them, thanks to which the finished structure will acquire additional strength and durability.
Another important stage of landscaping is the organization of a drainage system that protects the soil from erosion.
It is logical that during heavy rains and spring floods, streams of water inevitably form at the top of the slope, which, rushing down the terraces, wash away the soil.
In addition, water that stagnates behind retaining walls becomes swampy, which over time can lead to their deformation and destruction. To prevent this from happening, a drainage system is installed in the walls, one of the following types, namely:
- Underground drainage.
- Ground drainage.
- Filtration holes.
In addition, the terraces are equipped with storm sewers and drainage systems, the designs of which are developed in advance.
In parallel with the construction of retaining walls, stairs made of stone, monolithic concrete or brick are erected on steep slopes.
The simplest option is a staircase made of wooden planks or logs, reinforced with stringers - inclined beams to which risers are nailed.
Choosing plants for slope areas
Thus, among the large bushes whose roots are able to “hold” the soil, the most popular are barberries, double and semi-double rose hips, euonymus, and turf. Among the conifers, cotoneasters, junipers, spherical thujas and dwarf spruces are excellent.
Do not forget that the process of landscaping a site on a slope requires specific knowledge and skills, so before you start any work, contact specialists for advice and assistance in implementing your tasks.
Editing a spot on a slope: video + instructions!
The difference between a city on a slope and a flat landscape is that its development includes careful study and consideration of natural features that are directly related to the relief.
Design of a plot of land on a slope
Sloping areas have undeniable advantages - as a rule, there are no problems with high groundwater, and such a site cannot be called boring and has some disadvantages.
They include a large number of required land plots and less freedom in choosing where to build. To ensure that the result of your landscaping design is satisfactory for many years to come, you must be thorough in its creation.
It is especially important to consider the following characteristics of the area:
- · Orientation of the slope to the cardinal points.
- · Like tilt.
- · Direction and strength of prevailing winds.
The first item in this list will tell you about the brightness of the page.
It is what lighting regime was determined on your slope that will play a decisive role in the choice of plants. On the southern slope the sun shines from morning until late evening.
Here the snow is broken up early, but the soil is drier and many plants in southern latitudes are warming up.
Building a house on a slope: a review of projects, methods and erection characteristics
The northern slope is less susceptible to isolation, which limits the use of light plants. Western and eastern slopes are very favorable for placing green spaces; only the direction of the shadow needs to be taken into account.
The bias angles largely determine the area of the area, as well as the need to build stairs, terraces, and supporting walls.
These engineering objects not only make the site harmonious and comfortable. The higher the slopes, the higher the soil erosion when the top layer is washed away.
Creating steps interferes with this process.
An inconvenient feature of inclined terrain is the movement along the slope of air masses. Cold air flows downwards and stagnates in natural or artificially created cavities. Late frosts are possible in these areas. The warm wind that rises during the hot months hardens it.
When constructing buildings and recreational areas on sloping sites, prevailing winds must be taken into account.
Where to start developing a slope
Website design model
To visualize the sloping part of the fruit, it is very easy to draw a plan on paper. It's easier to create a 3D model.
You can do this using regular clay. By placing a site layout that is closest to the reality of the burden and slopes that clearly see its properties, determine the most suitable location for the house and other buildings, sidewalks, parking and recreation. At this stage, it correlates with the movement conducive to the direction of the sun, it is necessary to take into account the optimal location in the garden, tall trees, garden.
Be sure to consider how to manage the flow of people on the website - you may need to create a staircase. And now you need to plan the best place for rockers or an alpine garden, a dry stream - these are the elements that decorate the most suitable and very useful for viewing places with difficult terrain.
Formation of a plot of land on a slope - photography
Then comes the type of communication design.
Particular attention should be paid to water supply and sanitation. A slanted side does not always mean hidden visual angles, so all utility spaces should be aesthetically pleasing.
At the same level, he solves the issue of organizing drainage. Watercourses must be directed to specially designated channels, otherwise the urban economy will change over time. Some areas lying on slopes are flooded to the bottom.
This problem can be solved by equipping a pond or digging a trench.
Start planning your decks. They are flat parts of various widths, which are located at different levels.
From the lower part of the terraces the supporting wall can be specially raised over large areas, and sometimes without a ledge. In this case, the sharp displacement between the terraces must be protected by geotextiles.
Characteristics of plant breeding
Plants for the city, located on a slope
Of course, the final selection of plants for green spaces is dictated by the tastes of city owners.
However, one should take into account the compliance of the selected trees and shrubs with the climatic characteristics of this place and give priority to the poorest species with a well-developed root system.
Here are the principles for choosing plants for a slope:
- · The complex landscape of the city provides a complex plant composition of species. This means that slopes should be home to coniferous and deciduous trees, low bushes and flat lawns. This variety will lead the site straight.
- · In addition to being decorative, plants perform the function of strengthening slopes. Dense wood preserves the soil, bushes on the slope prevent the formation of landslides.
- · Plants living on slopes must tolerate a lack of moisture.
Choose species in natural settings, settled hills and mountain slopes.
If we are talking about places located on the hills in the central part of Russia, here we feel coniferous trees - cedar, mountain pine, juniper, spruce. Of the deciduous trees, birch, hazelnut, microbial would be better, and in damp climates - willow. Shrubs suitable for growing on slopes are numerous. For example, barberry, white duraine, lilac, elderly, broom - different shapes and colors will already create a wonderful composition.
Deciduous flowering plants are irreplaceable - hosts, daily leaves, irises. The mosquito will create an excellent tent peak. And, of course, decorating the mounting walls with all kinds of plants for rockers - sedums, cleaners, sap.
Interesting design of a suburban area on a slope
Tilt, due to its complexity, allows you to create a unique and recognizable website design.
The main thing is to take into account natural factors, overcome soil erosion, regulate the appropriate territory and visit the site with suitable plants.
Video - landscape design of a city on a slope
Such stairs on a slope or on a steep bank are cut to the ground. Measure your step (see below) to see how many steps it will take.
Construction stages
Mark on the contours of the slopes and the dimensions of the range with a taut thread between the hooks, which are driven to the ground on both sides.
Now drag the horizontal cord to define the bulges. We start from the above step, we dig the soil, take steps with original shapes and build the staircase according to our instructions.
Keep in mind that the less you step on these steps as you work, the better, so try to tamp the soil from the side.
On large stairs with 10 steps or more in the ditch, it is recommended to build a concrete foundation to stabilize the position of the bottom riser and prevent it from sliding from tilting.
Raise the ditches under the first riser, it should be twice the width, 10 cm longer than the step length and 10 cm deeper.
Fill the bottom of the ditch with gravel, empty it, and pour concrete into it. Smooth and let it dry.
Place the first foundation on a concrete foundation of brick, block or stone using basic brick technique.
Built-in staircase on a slope
first
Drag between the floor on the ground on either side of the ladder with a line to determine the location of the tread ranges and bulges.
second
The blade forms the initial outlines of the steps and then the ground with a solid wooden stick.
3. Orient the position of the twine, give the ladder a more precise shape, taking into account the height of the lifting plates and the length of the tread.
4. Place the first mast of two types of spoon overflow brick walls (on a concrete base if necessary).
fifths
To approach, pour detritus at the beginning of the second riser, i.e. pour on the surface of the first profile, lay it down and pour sand over it.
sixth
We are building a house on a plot with a slope
Place the plates on the solution along their circumference and straighten the bulges over the tightened string.
7. Make water by carefully lifting the plates from behind.
Use a spacer to ensure that the slope is the same everywhere (see page, Formwork).
Scale is sometimes the only solution for connecting garden parts of different stages or moving from one place to another. These semi-circular stairs lead from the courtyard to a courtyard surrounded by a wooden gazebo, where the family is exposed to fresh air.
How to cut bricks and blocks
For a standard spoon cast, you need half a brick or blocks at the beginning or end of each of the two types of walls.
To break a brick or block in half, prepare a flat straight line with a chisel, place it on a hard flat surface and cut the chisel that hit it with a macro.
How to measure the height of a slope
To determine the number of steps on a staircase, you must measure the pitch angle.
To do this, move the tick at the top of the slope, on the lower beams and connect them to the string, which should be inclined horizontally (check it with a spirit level). Now measure the height of the sticks from the ground to the twine. If you don't have the same number of steps, you will need to increase the height of the slope, remove the floor from the floor, or spill upward.
How to set up the first step
Save the detritus for the first lift body and try to mix it up, but don't try to replace the truck itself.
Add gravel to the bottom of the first tread and press again. Now you can install the first run.
Panel frame. Place the panel on the prepared substrate and compare its superiority with the first tensioned string. If it matches it exactly, he removes the plate, places a concrete solution around the circumference of the tile or four corners, sent in the middle or in a continuous layer if the stairs are used heavily.
Place the disk on the base plate, move it in different directions to better suit the solution.
If it is at the two plate stage, it lies close to the first second plate, stopping a small gap between them, which must then be filled with dry mixtures (sand and cement in a ratio of 1: 3).
Check the alcohol level for both plates is at the same level.
Don't forget about the rising meteor shower (1.2 cm). Gently but firmly hit the front edge of the panels with a hammer to form a slope.
Minor step. Bricks or blocks as tread material can be applied to the mortar in the same way as plates. Leggings, as always, should hang above the lift.
You also need to lean slightly over the rainwater drainage line.
Construction of the remaining stages
The second step can be placed on the edge of the first profile or immediately after its end on a bottom of gravel covered with a thin layer of sand. The master places mortar under the hood and places a series of bricks or blocks as described above. Place a spot for the second gravel winner as well as the first one, and place the second tread.
Continue spraying and running step until the end of the stairs.
To connect the bricks smoothly, trim the excess mortar into a semi-circular wall.
Mix dry mix between door panels or fill them with grout to remove excess. The solution should be dried for a week.
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Topic 9. IMPROVING PHOTOGRAPHY ON TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS AND PLANS
9.1. TYPES AND BASIC FORMS OPEN
Relief - a series of unequal land masses, ocean floors and seas, different shapes, sizes, origins, ages and developmental history. It consists of positive (convex) and negative (concave) shapes.
home forms Relief: mountainous, hollow, ridge, hollow and saddle.
In addition to the above forms there is also relief details. Relief details: grapes, cracks, piles, dikes, excavations, glaciers, quarries, etc.
All types of shapes and relief details are composed of elements.
home relief elements These are: base (base), slope (slope), top (bottom), height (depth), direction of slope and slope, and thalweg collection line. The main shapes, details and relief elements are shown in Fig.
Rice. 9.1. Basic forms, details and relief elements
mountain which is called a dome or conical height of the earth's surface.
The highest point of the mountain is called the peak, from which the relief decreases in all directions. The top end of a mountain is called a peak and the plateau is called a plateau.
The side surface of a mountain is called the slope or slope. The bottom of the mountain, which is the line of ridges crossing the flat surface, is called the bottom of the mountain. A small mountain up to 200 m high is called a hill. A massive hill is called a hill.
hollow It is a closed cone-shaped depression on the earth's surface. The lower part of the pool is called the bottom, the side surface is called the slope, and the line of the side transition to the environment is called the pond.
A small cavity is called a cave, sinkhole or void.
Ridge - This is an elongated one-sided hill with two opposite slopes. The line of intersection of its ice rinks, which runs along the highest points of the ridge, is called a watercourse, from which water and precipitation descend on two slopes.
Dell- oblong-shaped recess.
The line along the cave, passing through the lowest points, is called the watercourse or bottom belt, and the sides are called ramps, which end in the forehead. If you look at a watercourse, the excess in that direction is negative, the right, left and back are positive. Wide shallow waters with gentle slopes are called valleys with a steep and rocky gorge. Water in the form of deep spots in valleys formed by the action of running water is called plains.
Over time, the slopes collapse, overgrown with grass, wooded vegetation and rays.
saddle, This is a downhill part of the watercourses between two hills and two ditches, which differ from the saddle in opposite directions. In mountainous areas, a saddle is called a pass.
Image of the terrain at characteristic points of places on the tops of mountains, in the lower parts of basins, rain ridges flowing grooves on the edge of depressions and holes in the soles of mountains and at the point of inflection of rays in geodesy to determine their level, which can then be entered on the map near these points .
9.2.
IMPACT OF HORIZONTAL ASSISTANCE IMAGE
On maps, the contours of the terrain are depicted, i.e., closed round lines, each of which represents an image on a horizontal scale of irregularities, all points on the ground located at the same height.
To better understand the essence of the relief image with horizons, we imagine the island in the form of a mountain, which is gradually filled with water.
Let us assume that the water level stops sequentially at equal intervals at a height equal to meters (Fig. 9.2).
Rice. 9.2. The essence of the relief image along the contour lines
Each water level, starting from the initial one (AB), will have its own shore (CD, KL, MN, RS) in the form of a closed curve, the points of which have the same height.
These lines can also be considered as an area of uneven terrain with flat surfaces parallel to the flat surface of the sea from which the heights are viewed.
It follows that the distance h is between adjacent locked surfaces section height.
If all these lines are the same height of the structure of the surface of the earth's ellipsoid and represent the scale of the map, we obtain a picture of the mountain in terms of a system of closed curves, lines AB, CD, KI, m, and RS.
It will be horizontal.
Depending on the nature of the circuit, we can conclude that:
a) Each horizontal line on the map is a horizontal projection of a line of equal elevations on the ground, representing the planned structure of the ground surface inequality.
Thus, after drawing and the relative position of the contours, the figures, the relative position and the relationship of the irregularities are visible;
b), for example, horizontally on a map at regular intervals up to the height, and then the number of the sculpture on the slopes, which can be determined by the height of the ramp and superior to each other surface points on the Earth: the more slopes on the slope, the higher;
With) padcontour lines, that is. the distance in the plane between adjacent horizontal lines depends on the slope of the slope: the steeper the slope, the less sediment.
Therefore, depending on the size of the plot, we can estimate the steep slope.
9.3. TYPES OF HORIZONTALS
Segment height The relief on the map depends on the scale of the map and the nature of the relief.
For flat and hilly terrain, its value is equal to the map value of 0.02 (for example, a 01:50 map at a scale of 000 to 1,100,000 or a normal cross-sectional area of 10 and 20 m). On maps of mountainous areas, the relief image is not visible due to the excessive thickness of the contour, and it would be better to read the section twice the normal height (map scale 1:25 Scale 1:50,000-10,000-20 m, 1:100,000 - 40 m, 1: 200,000 - 80 m).
On maps of scale areas 1:25,000 and 1:200,000 on a flat scale, the height of the cross section is twice that of the normal one, i.e. 2.5 and 20 m.
Horizontal lines on the map corresponding to the height of the section indicated on it draw solid lines and are called main, or solid, horizontal lines (Fig.
9,3).
Often important terrain features on a map are not shown along major horizontal lines. In these cases, in addition to the main contours, half (floor-horizontal), which are executed on the map at half the height of the base section.
Unlike the base, half of the horizontal lines are drawn as a dotted line.
In some places where the necessary assistance information is not expressed in the main and half-outlines, they still exist auxiliary horizontally - about a quarter of a hundred.
They are also broken up by broken lines, but with shorter connections.
Rice. 9.3. Main, half and auxiliary horizontal
To make it easier to count contours when determining the height of points on a map, all continuous horizons corresponding to Five times section height, draw a thick line ( concentratedhorizontally).
The height of the main section is indicated on each sheet of the map - below the south side of its frame.
For example, the caption “Hard horizon passing through 10 m” means that in this panel all contours shown in full order are multiples of 10 m and thicker ones are multiples of 50 m.
9.4. IMAGE OF HORIZONTALS OF MAIN DESIGN PROJECTS
In fig. 9.4. Elemental relief forms are shown separately in outlines. The photo shows that the small mountain (hill) and the hollow view are usually the same - in the form of a system of closed surrounding horizontal lines.
The image of the ridge and the della are similar to each other. They differ only in the direction of the rays.
Rice.
9.4. Image by Contour
main landforms
Routing stingray symbols or bergstrihami, they serve as short lines located horizontally (perpendicular to them) in the direction of the slopes. They are located on the outer edges of the most characteristic places, especially on peaks, saddles or at the bottom of pools, as well as on gentle slopes - in difficult to reach places.
Also indicate the directions of the rays heights on maps:
- horizontal marking, T.
that is. digital signatures on some horizontal lines that indicate altitude in meters above sea level. At the top of these numbers you are always looking at a higher ramp;
- height The most characteristic points of the terrain are the tops of hills and hills, the highest points of watercourses, the lowest points of valleys and remains, the level (deepening) of water in rivers and other bodies of water,
Projects of houses on a slope, planning and construction of a house with a basement and a terrace
On maps 1: 100,000 and above the altitude above sea level, they are displayed with an accuracy of 0.1 m, map 1: 200,000 and less - up to whole meters. This should be taken into account so as not to confuse points in identifying and recognizing their characters on maps of different scales.
9.5. CHARACTERISTICS OF FREQUENCY OF HORIZONTAL AND GORENZH RELIGIONS OF HORIZONTAL PROPERTIES
Irregularities with large, well-defined and smooth shapes are most obvious with contours.
The image of a flattened relief turns out to be less expressive, since the horizons here occupy a fairly large distance and do not reflect many details between the horizons of the main area. Therefore, contour maps are often used in maps of flat areas along with basic (continuous) contour lines.
This improves the readability and detail of a simple relief image. If we look at such relief and determine its numerical characteristics on the map, we must pay special attention to not stopping the half and auxiliary horizons with the main ones.
When considering a map of mountainous and heavily covered terrain, a very dense distribution of contours should be considered in reverse.
With steep, steep slopes, the cities are so small that it is impossible to separate all the horizontal lines.
Therefore, when skates are shown on maps where the slope is greater than the maximum, the horizontal parts of the assembly are one or the other or a dotted line, resulting in only two or three intermediate between the horizontal thickening of the horizontal angle instead of four. In such locations, concentrated horizons should be used to determine the height of points or the slope of slopes on the map.
9.6.
USUAL SIGNS FOR OPEN ELEMENTS THAT DO NOT EXPAND THE HORIZONTAL
Objects and relief details that cannot be represented by contours (more than 45 °) are shown on maps with special symbols (Fig.
Rice. 9.5. Relative relief symbols
Such objects include rocks, rocks, shale, grapes, cracks, walls, road embankments and excavations, kopjes, caves, karst craters. The numbers that accompany the usual symbols of these objects indicate the relative height (depth) in meters.
Traditional signs of natural landforms and associated characteristics, as well as horizontal ones, are printed in brown and artificial (embankments, excavations,
n.) - black.
Rice. 9.6. Enriched fields (numbers are heights in meters)
Rice. 9.7. Barriers (numbers - height in meters):
a) - on cards; b - according to plans
Special symbols in black show: cliff-outcrops - many individual lying stones and clusters of stones, which are milestones indicating relative height; caves, grottoes and underground works with their numerical characteristics (in the numerator - the average diameter of the entrance; in the denominator - length or depth in meters); tunnels, which indicate the height and width of the counter and the length in the denominator.
Roads and paths that cross mountain ranges have marked passages indicating the altitude and duration of the activity.
The dangers of perpetual snow (furnaces) and glaciers are also depicted horizontally, but in blue. The same color shows all the relative features that relate to it (ice walls, ice cracks, ice covers) and numerical signs of heights and contours.
Rice.
9.8. Promoting Perpetual Snow and Glaciers
a) field fields (eternal snow), b) glaciers, c) glacier cracks, d) moraines, e) rocky rivers. f) stone greenhouses. g) walls and rocky walls, h) steep slopes with map scales less than 1 cm; i) steep scale slopes on the map greater than 1 cm.
j) field boundaries
9.7. CHARACTERISTICS OF IMMEDIATE PAPER 1: 500,000 AND 1: 1,000,000
Exceptions on the small topographic map and larger scale maps are shown with outlines and general symbols, but in general. They show only the general nature of the relief - its structure, basic shape, the degree of its vertical and horizontal dissection.
The main section height for displaying flat areas on both maps is set to 50 m, and for mountain surfaces is set to 100 m.
Additionally, the map also uses a cross-sectional height of 200 m, representing areas greater than 1000 m above sea level, with a scale of 1:1,000,000.
Rescue objects that do not operate horizontally show only those that are necessary to mark the area or are an important milestone. They are marked with the same normal symbols as the other cards, but smaller.
The main feature is the image of mountainous terrain.
For greater clarity, its horizontal images are complemented by so-called washed and layered colors in height.
Rice.
9.9. Card without wash (top) and wash (bottom)
laundry, this shadow on the slopes of the most important forms of mountain relief, makes the image more distinct and graphic, which allows you to visually perceive its extensive forms. The shading is done with a gray-brown color according to the principle: larger, higher and steeper slopes, the greater the wash.
For washing, the most important are the ridges and peaks, passes, pinnacles, deep valleys and canyons, which are the main mountainous areas and massifs.
The direction and comparative slope of the slopes, the shape of the ridges (sharp, rounded, etc.) and the difference in height of the main mountain regions are clearly perceived.
Plastic color on height steps visually displays the height characteristic of mountainous terrain and increases the plastic effect of its image.
It is made in orange in different colors according to the principle - taller, darker. The relief image in this case is divided into separate high-performance layers (stages), depending on the color tone, their absolute height and mutual excesses can be easily distinguished. A ton of layer color is multiplied by 400, 600 or 1000 m, depending on their absolute height.
The map scale is indicated on each sheet below the south side of its frame.
Questions and tasks for self-control
- Specify the definition of "relief" "horizontal", "cross-sectional height", "location", "ramp location",
- Give the main form of the work and relief elements, give them a brief description.
- What horizontal lines are called basic?
- What is the purpose of using half and sub horizons and how vertical are they on the map?
- What is the purpose of Bergstrix on the map?
- What colors are used to display terrain on maps?
- What is the essence of the method of washing relief images on maps?
- What is the essence of the hippometric method of displaying relief on maps?
- How do digital notations signify the contour of meaning?
- What relief objects are marked on maps with special symbols?
- Use the outline on the drawing to indicate a mountain, ridge, saddle, caves, ravines.
- What are the characteristics of image relief on a horizontal and flat surface?
- Specify the types of videos.
How are they shown on maps?
- What are the characteristics of a 1:1,000,000 and 1:500,000 scale relief image or diagram?
House on a slope or difficult terrain
When choosing a site for the construction of a country house, we are happy when we find a perfectly flat site, and we are upset if the location suits us, but the site has complex terrain. There is no need to worry about this, because a talented architect will always be able to turn the disadvantages of a site into its undeniable advantages. The only question is: how much will such an exclusive cost?
Features of architecture on a slope
The upcoming construction costs and the choice of design for the future home largely depend on the features of the relief. The relief is determined by the slope of the surface, which is calculated as the ratio of the difference in height of two terrain points to the horizontal distance between them, which is the tangent of the angle of inclination of the line to the terrain.
Slope is measured in fractions or percentages. For example, a rise of 10 m while moving 100 m diagonally corresponds to a slope of 0.10 or 10%. Depending on the magnitude of the slope, areas can be flat (the slope is no more than 3%), with a small slope - from 3 to 8%, medium - up to 20% and steep - over 20%.
Formula for determining slope: (slope = a/b x 100%), where a is the height difference, b is the distance between points
Of course, flat areas are optimal from the point of view of construction, but in this article we will not talk about them. There are several ways to build a house on plots with a slight slope:
- place the house on level ground, for which soil is added from the side of the slope. At the same time, you can save on an individual project and build a cottage according to any of the standard ones you like.
- cut the lower (ground) floor of the house into the slope. In this case, as in all others (that is, on areas with a medium and steep slope), construction is possible only according to an individual project.
- building a house on a slope involves multi-level house, each level of which is shifted along the slope(terrace and cascade-sectional houses). The most difficult and expensive option, at times.
Naturally, the question may arise: is it possible to level the slope, ensuring a level construction site? As practice shows, changing the natural structure of the relief is extremely rare, since it is associated with large labor and financial costs, as well as disruption of the environment (movement of groundwater, soil layer, vegetation, etc.).
That is why, when building on complex terrain, it is better to turn to “organic architecture”, the main canons of which were developed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This is architecture “inscribed” in nature - “bending around” the trees, “climbing” the slope, repeating the most remarkable features of the relief, which allows the house to organically dissolve into the surrounding landscape. The formation of a rational slope profile is achieved by giving it an appropriate steepness, terracing and general planning.
The technical side of the issue of building a house on difficult terrain
When searching sites for building a house experts advise choosing the highest and driest place on the site. This is due to a number of reasons:
- Firstly, buildings located below the top of the hill are an obstacle to the movement of cold night air, resulting in its stagnation and the formation of a so-called cold pocket. In this place the temperature can be 9 ºC below the ambient temperature.
- Secondly, precipitation can accumulate at the bottom of the slope and the ground there becomes swampy, which creates serious difficulties for building a foundation.
- Thirdly, construction at the highest point makes it possible to optimally solve the problem of drainage, which is quite acute for areas with complex terrain, and organize the unimpeded natural flow of surface water. If the soil is sandy, then surface drainage is sufficient, but if the soil is clayey, it is also necessary to arrange foundation drainage. Linear surface drainage of the site helps to remove water from the foundation of the house, cutting off the flow of rain and melt water flowing from the slope to the base of the buildings with a line of channels.
Of great importance for construction on a slope is the composition and characteristics of the occurrence of soils, as well as groundwater. In some cases, in order to eliminate or weaken the softening and destructive effects of groundwater on soils, to reduce and eliminate filtration pressure, it is necessary to carry out artificial dewatering.
There are many difficulties in designing houses on slopes and their subsequent construction. The architect's task is to turn them into advantages. Of great importance for the formation of the architectural image of the house is the direction from which it is approached - from the foot of the slope or from its top: when “recognizing” the house, its perception changes.
In the first case, as a rule, the building is located so that we can see it completely. In the second, only the “top” of the building is visible, that is, those floors (or floor) that are located at the top of the slope. We enter the house, and suddenly it turns out that it is much larger, that it has not one or two, but three floors. There is a gradual “opening” of it.
If we talk about the technical issues of constructing a building on a complex terrain, then the main role here is given to the characteristics of the soils lying on the site. It’s one thing to have homogeneous soil or a dense layer that can serve as a foundation for a foundation. In this case, you can pour a monolithic strip foundation, designing it so that it can resist the pressure of the slope.
And it’s a completely different matter if the soil lies in heterogeneous horizontal or, even more so, inclined layers that can slide down the slope. In these conditions, it will be necessary to build a foundation on piles. The nature and depth of groundwater should also be taken into account.
To prevent soil sliding, terracing of slopes is used. Artificial changes in the relief of a slope (slope) should be provided to prevent and stabilize the processes of shear, sliding, extrusion, landslides and soil flow, including landslides and flows.
Since the house is partially buried in a slope, increased requirements are placed on the building’s hydro- and thermal insulation in order to avoid condensation and leaks on the walls. It is also necessary to provide for the presence of supply and exhaust ventilation in the house, since some of the premises will remain without the possibility of natural ventilation.
Slope exposure
One of the most important characteristics of a site with complex terrain, taken into account when designing buildings, is its exposure - a combination of steepness and orientation of the slope. We already talked about steepness (slope level) at the beginning of the article, let’s look at the concept of orientation. Orientation is expressed in azimuths or directions.
The azimuthal geodetic scale of the horizon has 360º, counting from the north direction clockwise. According to the orientation of the slope, the territory is divided into sections corresponding to eight directions - north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest.
The most favorable slopes for construction are those facing south and southeast. It turns out that the orientation of the slope, no less than the geological features of the site, influences the decision on the possibility or impossibility of construction.
The most favorable slopes for this are those facing south and southeast, and those oriented to the north or west are unfavorable. And that's why. Slopes facing south and southeast are well insolated (lit by sunlight), winds from the south blow weaker, which ultimately allows partial savings on heating the building. In this case, even the use of alternative sources of heat - solar power plants - can become economically profitable.
Experts are unanimous that northern slopes are completely unsuitable for building a house (except in areas with a hot climate). There is insufficient insolation here, strong cold winds blow. Making a home comfortable in such conditions is very difficult and, most importantly, more expensive. Construction on western slopes should also be avoided, but for a completely different reason. In the afternoon, they are exposed to active sunlight, which can lead to overheating of the premises and discomfort to the people in them.
Based on an analysis of the slope exposure, a decision is made to exclude certain areas of the territory from the main development. They can be used for other functional purposes.
It should be borne in mind that construction on a slope is not always possible. In particular, if a soil study showed the likelihood of a landslide. Of course, something can be done in this case, for example, installing foundation piles 20 m deep, if this is, of course, economically justified. The customer must decide for himself whether he is ready to incur large financial expenses. Sometimes the site offers a beautiful view of the sea, mountains or other landscape beauty, which is of decisive importance for future owners of property on a slope.
And yet, before building a house on a site with difficult terrain, it is recommended to conduct a thorough study of the soil. For example, in the West there is such a practice. Before making a decision to build on any site, its potential owners contact the design bureau.
Architects study the features of the relief and give an opinion on how economically feasible construction is there. We practically do not have this stage. Moreover, in practice there were cases when all the beliefs of the architect had no force for the customers, and construction was stopped at the stage of the zero cycle, since the customer ran out of money. As a result, he was left without money and without a home.
It is necessary to understand that economical construction does not work on difficult terrain. The costs of the zero cycle (digging a pit, monolithic and drainage work, construction of retaining walls, etc.) may exceed the cost of the house itself. It all also depends on the cost of land in a given location; sometimes the cost of a site with complex terrain can be an order of magnitude lower than nearby sites with a flat surface, in which case the costs of a zero cycle can be justified.
Choosing a house type
Although construction on a slope or on difficult terrain is carried out exclusively according to individual projects, all of them can one way or another be divided into two types:
- stepped houses
- houses of variable number of storeys.
The first ones have a stepped shape corresponding to the slope of the site being built, and are divided into cascade-sectional (consisting of sections of equal height, shifted vertically by half a floor or by a floor) and terraced. Terrace houses consist of one-, two- and three-story buildings running both along and across the slope. In this case, the roof of the lower part of the building is a terrace-balcony for the upper part. If cascade-sectional houses are designed for construction on slopes with a slope of 7 to 17%, then terraced houses - at least 25-30%.
The second type of buildings - houses of variable number of storeys - have their long sides across or diagonally across the slope. Moreover, they have a roof at the same level and a different number of floors in different parts of the building, which depends on the difference in relief. The construction of houses of varying number of storeys is possible on slopes with any slope.