Quote:
Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes
Split entry homes get you is a slightly shallower basement level. In Regina split-entry should be done more often given how bad the clay soil is on foundations (less force working against the foundation.) Split entries also give the basement larger windows which makes the downstairs area a lot nicer as a living and working space.
Newfoundland builds a lot of split entries because it does give a bungalow a lot nicer basement to extend the living area and given the rock it is easier to dig out less depth to build.
I've lived in split entries. While I don't really like the stairs to the basement entry concept, the other benefits are pretty nice.
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As I recall, this type of entrance first came about in houses built on a lot which is higher at the back, and where the main floor level was a full storey or more above the street at the front, in order to reduce the amount of outside stairs, but without having the entry at the ground level. In a hilly city this is common. On flat ground it makes less sense however. It also permits entry to both a basement suite and an main floor suite from the front entrance, thus concealing the entrance of any illegal suite.
Here is a well known 1970s era street in St. John's where this is used extensively:
https://goo.gl/maps/DUEGoUwetBo
Here is another strange St. John's phenomenon, houses built sideways:
https://goo.gl/maps/fWf6UmPvkpE2
This particular one, I believe, is the result of a planned street that was never built, but these are strangely quite common in Newfoundland.
Another common thing is the residential "parking lot", just how many cars are they expecting?
https://goo.gl/maps/Nz34qYqFiEs