SUSTAINABLE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION ON SLOPED TERRAIN: STRUCTURAL INNOVATIONS

Abstract

This article examines the challenges of constructing individual residential buildings on sloped terrain, emphasizing both structural efficiency and environmental sustainability. It provides a brief overview of traditional solutions used in such construction, evaluating their cost, effectiveness, and ecological impact. New approaches to building houses on sloped terrain using a modern structural system, the "load-bearing floor," are proposed. This system, in which the second floor functions as a spatial structure composed of rigidly connected floor slabs along with external and internal walls, minimizes land disruption and reduces material consumption. The advantages and limitations of this system are analyzed, highlighting its potential to lower construction costs, enhance the strength and stability of buildings, and expand compositional and architectural flexibility. Additionally, by eliminating the need for extensive excavation and reducing the footprint of foundations, the system helps mitigate soil erosion and preserves the natural landscape. The use of lighter, optimized materials also contributes to improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions during both construction and operation. The system further enables the creation of a lower floor free from intermediate supports, accommodating diverse planning requirements without restricting the architect's creative vision. Moreover, its flexibility for future remodelling and spatial reconfiguration supports sustainable, long-term residential use, reducing waste associated with demolition and reconstruction. Through these innovations, the proposed system addresses both the practical and ecological challenges of residential construction on sloped terrain.