Neighbors shocked by the building structure. Who has experienced this before?

you have received good ideas so far, I wanted to add something. There are no universally valid recipes for interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Every person is different and behavior should be adapted accordingly. You are a NeuerNachbar, you should take a step towards your neighbors. As mentioned, a topping-out ceremony is a good opportunity to invite them and treat them, introduce yourself, get to know each other. Then you see who has an open door and who withdraws, so you get to know them and can better adapt yourself.

Good luck with building, moving in, and living in your new home.

The hill results simply from building on such a plot without a basement (see neighboring building).

As I said, not necessarily, if you build a split-level, you don’t even look out there. However, you have to like the many stairs. With conventional construction, you either have a basement or a general’s hill, that’s true. Although I do wonder what distinguishes a terrace attached to a raised house from a large balcony or penthouse in a condominium—apart from the neighbors and the owners’ association. Ok, I just gave myself the answer and two valid reasons for a house (even if raised) versus a condo [emoji6][emoji4]

Since I currently live in a split-level, I simply cannot imagine why anyone would voluntarily build a new one. It just has disadvantages.

Whereas I actually wonder what differentiates a terrace attached to a built-up house from a large balcony or penthouse in a condominium

The garden that can be reached in a few steps So aside from the points you yourself mention.

Splitlevel was not an option for us at all because the extension, which will be located on the Feldherrenhügel, is for my mother. Keyword multigenerational house. That is why accessibility is also a must here.

Our neighbor also likes to complain because our house blocks the sun for him. The thing is: our house has been standing for over 150 years, his was only built 50 years ago. When we built the carport, he filed a complaint with the LRA after the foundations were set. Then a gentleman came and inspected the construction project – and advised us to build the carport a bit higher so it would reach the house’s gutter. That backfired on our neighbor – now he has even less sun...

Opposite, three new semi-detached houses will be built soon; before there was just a large garden. We'll see how it turns out, but that hardly concerns us. It might be that the sun reaches the terrace in front of the house 5 minutes later in the morning, but there will be a tall fence anyway. So it doesn’t matter. I’m more glad that the corner is becoming a bit livelier again.