Poured step-down foundation

[dhall@auburn.edu]

I have a lot with a slope (approx 12 ft over a 150 ft run) sloping down front to back. A builder has suggested going to two story because of the cost of a large crawlspace footprint. I'd prefer a slab, but the excavation would be extremely expensive. I thought maybe I could do a stepped foundation, running about 1 ft down every 25 feet for a deep house. Sort of an exaggerated sunken living room concept but with sunken sections. This would only be less expensive than a large standard slab IF the sections could be 1) joined to prevent water problems and 2) each section would have its own standard depth (in other words, the first section would not need to be 3x the depth of the last). I'm very clear in my mind what I'm talking about, but I'm afraid I lack the "technical speak" to make it clear to all of you. I hope I've explained it. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

[jlxarchitect]

I am eager to know any follow ups for this discussion too.

[Kevin]

It sounds like the kind of site that would benefit from the input of an architect. And you sound like the kind of client/owner who is starting to ask the right questions.

When faced with a specific site condition like a significant slope, one can either fight it (perhaps by massive excavation, to put in a big slab as if it were flat), or avoid it (perhaps by stacking up the building to minimize the footprint), or work through to a deeper understanding, and turn it into an asset.

BTW, the cover story in ArchWeek this week (coming out this afternoon) is about the subtle adjustments of a house to a very steep site. Your situation is less radical, but the value of subtle adjustments can be great!