The Bi-level was born out of its Ranch and Split Level Counterparts. Split-levels had provided a roomier alternative to Ranch Houses, but these Split-levels did not always lend themselves to clients who appreciates the linear, rambling plan of the Ranch. To combat this deficiency in the Split-level, some designers began to only divide the entryway rather than the entire structure. The result was the Bi-level with a front door that leads to a two story landing halfway between two floors.
The Bi-level is similar to the Split-level in its separation of interior spaces, this time divided by the two-story entry landing rather than a formal middle level/ The upper level generally has working and sleeping spaces and the lower level has the garage and living area. Spaces are easily modified as dictated by a building’s lot. The entry could be lowered or raised, depending on the topography of the land. Exteriors are typically characterized by Colonial, Tudor, or Populist Modern Details.
Identifying Features:
- Raised Basement
- Windows near grade level
- Front door leads to two-story landing halfway between two floors, most often centrally located
- Upper level has projecting façade
- Rear deck on upper level
- Garage wing has separate gabled, roof line
Sources:
- Higgins, Alan. Architectural Movements of the Recent Past. PDF.
Images:
- http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/barrons/realestate/bi-level.gif
- http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/e5b4/b7da/3707/c90e2bba30d917c7ec9d/w475h356.jpg
- http://www.housemaster.com/images_dynamic/buyers/bilevel.jpg?0.36412697127068105
- http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/1/2/9/ar121120613792146.JPG
