Hello: hope to get an advice. Just looked at a lot which is situated on a rocky coastal terrain. In addition, there is a huge hole in the ground which seems to be an invitation to take advantage of it and build a geothermal system for heating/airconditioning (this is how huge it is). The problem is they don't build houses on stilts, in Nova Scotia. How do you build a house on a very slopy, rocky lot.. with a hole in it? I also seems to need to think about building the house as high up as possible, to make sure the fellow on the lot near and lower than me does not cover the view. Where can I read about it? What is the process? How cost effective is it? For instance, do they use huge bolders to stabilize the stilts? (I seems to remmber something like that during my travels in Newfoundland).
Thanks in advance.
Tino

The best advice I can give you is find yourself an architect who knows what he or she is doing, let him or ´her know your wish list, and then work together to make all the decisions.

Each site presents its own challenges, and a house like what you describe should be designed in response to the challenges of the site. The process is a little like juggling, where all the balls are in the air until the final moment, when the juggler lets them fall and catches them. Professional help is essential for a good result.

Tino - I found your message on these boards and I have a similar situation. Have you found any useful information? If so, could you share some of it? I am in Ontario - but can't find anyone familiar with stilts to build on our rock face/waterfront lot.
Thanks

I guess you haven't looked very hard...almost any architect would be able to help you. It isn't rocket science.