Foundation on grown ground

Hi,

During an appointment with an architect, we were told that one must or should build on undisturbed soil. We have a plot with a slight slope (approx. 1m over 10m length). We had thought about cutting away the top end of the plot and filling up the bottom with it. However, this would require a significantly thicker foundation. So what is the deal with building on undisturbed soil? For us, that would mean building with a half-basement design on the slope.

Thanks.

Regards
Mikro

Talk to your architect about a [Bodengutachten]. This examines the layers in the soil. Architects and structural engineers can deduce from this how the building must be supported. If, for example, you have muddy clay soil, you will need to carry out a soil replacement. With gravel soil or rock, you have different conditions again. That is why it is not possible to make a statement without a [Bodengutachten]. If the topsoil is not load-bearing, you cannot dig down on one side and fill up on the other.

Thank you for the answer. So generally, you can't say it like that, foundation only on natural ground. But it may be the case in my situation, as the architect inspected the [Grundstück] and thus the topsoil might not be load-bearing. Did I understand that correctly? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to half-story construction? Thank you

Your architect will not have made a borehole of 8-10m. Let a professional handle that and spend 1000 € on a soil survey. The more information you have about your property and soil conditions, the better. Do you want to build without a basement? With a basement, for a semi-detached house the advantage is: windows in the basement, possibly a living/hobby room in the basement nicely possible. Disadvantage: The house becomes taller (if the basement is not completely buried) -> does the development plan allow that? Without a basement: Semi-detached: Part of your house stands "in the slope," so this part has no windows or must be sealed differently against water. Without a basement, I would excavate – possibly excavate everywhere and buy fill material. But you should discuss such things with your architect. As I said: Without a soil survey, one can only speculate, and I would not build a house based on speculations.

Hi,

I think I expressed myself incorrectly. I wanted to know the advantages and disadvantages of half-story construction, meaning a building where the floors are offset by half a story.
A basement is a budget issue for us; it is a cost factor not to be underestimated.
The architect, of course, did not take a soil sample but looked at the neighbor's property, who completely lifted the slope... But leaving that aside, I am interested in the general statement regarding the foundation on natural ground. Is that more advantageous, or not necessary, or or or...

Regards