Month: September 2025

Tips for Modernising Your Split Level Home in Cairns

There are many reasons to choose a split level home in Cairns: with the region’s hills, slopes, and beautiful coast, split-level homes offer elevated views and unique architectural features while helping homeowners maximise the space on their block of land.

But split-level homes built in the last few decades can start to feel a little dated, and in need of a serious refresh to keep up with modern lifestyles. Whether you’re building your first ever split-level home, looking to do a split-level home remodel, or just want to breathe new life into your interiors – this guide is for you.

We’ll show you exactly how to modernise your home’s structure, styling, and features without losing the charm of its multi-level layout.

Top Design Ideas for a Split-Level Home Remodel

If you’re already living in a split-level home, making it a little more modern doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch! A few well-planned updates can completely change the feel of your space.

Here are our top design moves for a split level home remodel:

1. Open up the layout

Creating an open plan and knocking out some non-structural walls is a great way to connect your kitchen, dining, and lounge area, even across levels.

Modern split level living rooms are an incredibly popular choice for homeowners at the moment for encouraging connection and building a social hub in the home.

You can also rework the layout to combine unused rooms, add ensuites, or even removal the kitchen to make your home feel like it was built for your lifestyle.

2. Create cohesion and visual flow

A split-level shouldn’t mean disjointed design. To create harmony, repeat timber trims, colour accents, and metals (like black powder-coated stair rails) across all floors, and use the same tile or a cohesive flooring range on each level-even if you opt for different finishes.

Plus, if you love feature lighting – who doesn’t? – carry these up the stairs and into landings for a seamless visual journey throughout your home.

3. Upgrade your staircase

Stairs are a primary architectural feature in split level home designs – so it makes sense to swap out those dated railings and timber balustrades for something like glass or steel to create a minimalistic focal point. Or, just invest in a more modern style of timber for something that’s still classic and timeless.

4. Let the light flood in

There’s nothing more desirable in a modern home than natural light – it opens up your space, highlights finishes, and just makes your home feel more inviting.

Consider skylights in hallways or stairwells, make existing windows bigger, or installing full-height glazing in living areas or on upper levels. You’ll instantly make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more connected to the outdoors.

Styling Tips for How to Modernise a Split Level Home Interior

Split-level homes are built around movement and zoning, so your styling should support that, not fight it. Here’s how to modernise a split level home interior and make every floor shine:

  • Stick to a cohesive colour palette. Soft neutrals with accents of black, timber or stone work beautifully across split layouts.
  • Use lighting strategically. Pendant lights for high ceilings, step lighting along stairs, and consistent fittings across levels create a unified feel.
  • Define spaces without walls. Use rugs, furniture placement, or vertical features like screens to zone each area naturally.
  • Little things like matching architraves, updating door handles, and simplifying ceiling fixtures go a long way in tying the space together.

Smart Features for a Modern Lifestyle

Aside from updating how your home looks, you can also modernise your split-level home with a few smart features, if you don’t have them already. For example:

  • Smart lighting systems to control lighting on different levels from your phone or with motion sensors.
  • Zoned air conditioning – perfect for multi-level layouts with varied airflow.
  • Energy-efficient glazing and insulation help you cut down on power bills and make your home more comfortable.
  • Solar power systems are a great match for Cairns homes, especially with the sunlight exposure!

Modern features don’t have to be high tech either… Good cross-ventilation, clever storage under stairs, and outdoor-indoor connections all help your home feel a little bit more modern without changing the whole layout.

Building a Split Level Home from Scratch?

Designing a modern split-level home from scratch is a great way to maximise a sloping block while creating a layout that suits your lifestyle from the ground up.

Want a modern split level living room? Or some expert tips on how to modernise your split-level home interior based on your plot of land? Working with builders who specialise in custom house design can help you create a layout that feels personal and modern from day one.

And because they know how to work with Cairns’ unique landscape, climate, and council requirements, they’ll ensure your split-level home looks incredible and lives beautifully.

Modernise Your Split Level Home with Cairns Quality Homes

Whether you’re looking to do a split-level home remodel, starting from scratch, or somewhere in between, Cairns Quality Homes has the experience to make it happen.

As trusted custom home builders renovators in Cairns, we know split level home plan designs like the back of our hand. We’ve helped hundreds of locals reimagine their homes for better living – modernising floorplans, maximising space, and delivering high quality finishes that elevate every level.

So if you’re ready to modernise your split-level home – or build one from scratch –, get in touch today for a free consultation!

Still considering between split level vs double storey? Check out this blog to find out more on which suits you best.

First-Time Builder’s Guide to Split-Level Homes in Cairns

Building a new home in Cairns is an exciting journey. With a stunning natural landscape – from the lush rainforests to the Coral Sea – Cairns offers some of the most beautiful backdrops for a home in Australia. But along with it comes a challenge: sloping blocks of land.

Luckily: the solution is a smart, custom-designed split-level home that perfectly fits sloping blocks while offering tons of beautiful views and natural breezes.

In this blog, we’ll cover the different types of split level homes, how much it costs to build them, and everything else you need to know before you get started.

What is a Split-Level Home?

In simple terms, a split-level home is designed with staggered floor levels. Instead of a traditional staircase dividing just two storeys, you’ll find short flights of stairs or half-levels connecting living areas, bedrooms, and garages.

This clever layout often mirrors the natural slope of the land, keeping site costs down and adding architectural interest.

The Different Types of Split Level Homes

Not every block is created equal, and that’s exactly why no one design fits all. Choosing the right type of split level home for your unique block of land makes all the difference.

That’s where working with an experienced team really pays off. A builder who understands the terrain, zoning overlays, and stormwater management can help you choose a layout that fits your land and your lifestyle – without overcomplicating the build.

Here’s a quick breakdown of popular split level home designs in Cairns:

Style

Best Suited For:

Side-Split

Blocks that slope sideways, with living zones left or right of stairs

Back-Split

Uphill or downhill lots

Tri-Level

Large blocks with clear zones (living, sleeping, garage)

Custom-Multi-Split

Steeper blocks

Step Up / Step-Down

Gentle slopes for rooms just a few steps apart

Building Regulations for Split Level Home Designs

Because split-level homes are more complex than standard builds, they come with extra planning and approval requirements.

In Cairns, you’ll need to meet local regulations set by the Cairns Regional Council, as well as state guidelines under the Queensland Building Act and National Construction Code (NCC).

Key things that may be required include:

  • Geotechnical (soil) reports to assess ground stability
  • Engineered foundations and retaining walls for structural safety
  • Stormwater drainage plans to manage runoff on sloping land
  • Energy efficiency compliance, like meeting the 6-star NatHERS rating
  • Zoning and overlay checks, especially for flood or bushfire-prone areas.

Because of their more complex regulations, it’s best to work with custom home builders in Cairns who understand local council rules inside out. This can save you tons of time, money, and stress later on.

Why People Choose Split Level Home Designs in Cairns

There are many reasons why people in Cairns and the surrounding areas choose split level home designs, some of which are lifestyle-driven, while others help your home meet local building guidelines and regulations.

For example, split level homes work with the land, not against it, meaning less need for excavation or expensive retaining walls. But aside from that, the elevated levels offer better coastal views, more airflow, natural light, and allow homeowners to make the most out of their block. They also stand out architecturally, meaning they tend to have a higher resale value.

And from a regulatory perspective, split-level designs can make compliance easier when it comes to:

  • Drainage and stormwater management: A stepped layout helps control runoff and reduce erosion risk on sloping blocks.
  • Energy efficiency: Elevated, well-ventilated spaces support passive cooling and make it easier to meet 6-star NatHERS energy rating targets.
  • Building approvals: In many cases, split-level designs reduce the need for major earthworks, making it easier to meet council requirements and avoid delays.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Split Level Home?

If you’re wondering, are split level homes expensive? Every home is different – and the cost of a split-level home can vary quite a bit depending on your block, design choices, and how complex the build is.

Factors that influence pricing include:

  • Steepness of your block
  • Access to the site (tight sites often need special machinery)
  • Engineering requirements (like retaining walls and stepped footings)
  • Size and layout
  • Level of inclusions and finishes

For a typical 250 sqm split-level home, most first-time builders in Cairns can expect to spend anywhere from $750,000 to $900,000. Smaller builds or simpler designs could come in under that. On the other hand, larger homes or those with premium finishes might push beyond that range.

Ready to Build Your First Split Level Home?

Building your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming – especially when you’ve got the right team on your side.

At Cairns Quality Homes, our new construction home builders have helped hundreds of homeowners across Redlynch, Trinity Beach, Kanimbla, and the Tablelands turn challenging blocks into beautifully built, fully compliant split-level homes.

  • Expert guidance on your block
  • Tailored split-level floorplans
  • Fast-tracked approvals & accurate cost estimates
  • Free solar package with every new build!

So whether you’re still exploring options or ready to start your dream build, let’s talk. Book your free consultation today – or check out our website for more information on Cairns home renovations.

Cairns Building Regulations for Split-Level Homes: What You Need to Know

Cairns is a stunning location for building your dream home – but the hilly landscape that gives this region its character presents unique building challenges.

From soil reports to stormwater drainage to zoning restrictions, the rules around split level home regulations in Cairns can be a bit confusing – so it helps to get to know the facts to avoid wasting your hard-earned time and money.

We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Here’s what you need to know about Cairns building regulations for split-level home designs so you can build smarter, not harder.

What Makes Split-Level Builds Tricky in Cairns

Split-level homes aren’t your typical slab-on-flat-block builds. They’re designed to work with sloping land, giving you more flexibility and better views, all whilst maximising your space – but they also come with more complex building regulations.

Here’s why building one in Cairns can be challenging:

  • Sloped land needs specialist planning. You’ll often need retaining walls, drainage design, and stepped foundations.
  • Tropical weather means serious stormwater management. Cairns gets hit with heavy rains, so runoff and erosion need to be accounted for.
  • Building approvals are stricter on difficult terrain. Expect extra scrutiny on structural integrity and site safety.

That’s why split level home designs are best handled by experienced builders who understand both the terrain and local council expectations.

Key Building Regulations to Know

Being part of the Cairns Regional Council, split level homes in Cairns must comply with Queensland’s Building Act and the National Construction Code (NCC).

Here’s a simple breakdown of the most important things to tick off, and what your certifier or engineer will be looking for before giving you the green light:

Zoning & Overlays

Your first step is to check your land’s zoning under Cairns building regulations. Zoning affects site coverage and setback rules, including what type of home you can build, how tall it can be, and how far it must sit from your boundaries.

Some areas also come with overlays – like flood, storm tide, or bushfire risk – which may have restrictions or need extra approvals.

Foundations and Structural Engineering

Split-level homes often need deeper footings and engineered retaining walls to support the slope. You’ll also need a soil test (called a geotechnical report) to understand the ground conditions – this helps avoid costly surprises down the line.

Homes in Cairns must also meet cyclone ratings for structural safety, especially on elevated or exposed sites. Your engineer will check your split level home design can handle soil movement, gravity loads, and high wind conditions.

Drainage and Stormwater Control

Split-level homes must channel water safely away from the property. This includes roof runoff, surface water, and subsurface drainage. Poor planning here is one of the most common compliance fails in Cairns.

Energy Efficiency and Ventilation

Queensland homes must hit a minimum 6-star energy rating (like good insulation, glazing, and ventilation). Luckily, split-level home designs often allow for better natural airflow – but you still need to meet NatHERS rating requirements.

Permits & Approval Process

Here’s how the approval process generally works in Cairns:

  1. Initial Planning: Speak to a licensed builder or designer familiar with Cairns Regional Council rules.
  2. Soil Testing & Site Survey: For design and engineering work.
  3. Development Application (if needed): Not every build needs this, but it depends on zoning and overlays.
  4. Building Approval: Your final plans go to a private certifier or the council for assessment.
  5. Construction Begins: Once approved, construction can kick off – but inspections are done at key stages.

Working with a private certifier can often speed up approvals compared to going through council directly. Just make sure they’re licensed and experienced with house designs for split level plans.

Pro Tips for Smoother Approvals

Here’s how to stay ahead of the game and avoid any compliance issues:

  • Use local house renovation builders in Cairns who know the area inside out.
  • Get everything in writing – soil reports, slope assessments, clear documentation speeds up approvals.
  • Factor in extra costs for drainage, retaining walls, and structural design early in your budget.
  • Communicate early with your certifier – they can flag potential issues before you submit anything.
  • And most importantly, don’t wait until something goes wrong to ask for help. The earlier you bring in the right team, the better.

Build Smarter with Cairns Quality Homes

Building a split-level home in Cairns doesn’t have to be a red-tape nightmare.

At Cairns Quality Homes, we’ve helped hundreds of locals turn challenging blocks into beautifully built homes that meet every regulation – without the stress.

Whether you’re at the dream stage or ready to build, our expert team of custom home builders will guide you through every step of the approval process. Just a quality home built right the first time.

Check out this blog to learn more about the benefits of split level home!