Minnesota Split Entry Floor Plans
A home should be both functional and stylish, and split entry floor plans offer just that. Also known as bi-level homes, they feature a raised entryway that separates upper and lower levels, balancing openness and privacy. These homes are ideal for growing families, professionals, and anyone seeking flexible living spaces, maximizing every square foot for efficiency.
At Haven Homes, we design split entry homes in Minnesota that blend practicality with personal style. Whether optimizing layouts for efficiency or incorporating features for comfort, we create homes that evolve with your needs. Let’s bring your vision to life.
Types of Split Entry Floor Plans
Split entry homes are designed for both functionality and comfort, naturally separating communal and private areas. The upper level typically houses the main living areas, while the lower level offers versatile space for family rooms, home offices, or guest suites. If you're looking for a home with smart design, energy efficiency, and flexible living spaces, a split entry home in Minnesota is an excellent choice.
Standard Split-Entry (Bi-Level)
Open-Flow vs Traditional Layouts
Open-flow designs create a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, often enhanced by high ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light. This layout fosters a modern, airy atmosphere, perfect for entertaining or families who enjoy a sense of openness.
Traditional layouts maintain distinct room separations, offering structured spaces for specific functions like formal dining, quiet workspaces, or family gatherings. This design appeals to homeowners who value privacy and clearly defined areas for different activities.
Raised Ranch (Split-Entry Ranch)
A raised ranch is a variation of the split-entry design, with the main entry located on the upper level. Short stairs lead either up to the main living areas or down to the lower level, which often includes additional bedrooms, a family room, or a home office. This layout is known for its practicality and space efficiency, making it a popular choice for families and first-time homebuyers. The raised ranch design is particularly well-suited for flat lots, offering a straightforward and functional floor plan.
Side Split and Back Split
Split-entry homes come in various styles to accommodate different lot orientations and homeowner needs. Side split and back split designs offer unique layouts while maintaining the core benefits of split-level living.
Side Split
A side split home features staggered levels visible from the side, creating a distinctive multi-level facade ideal for narrow lots. This design distributes bedrooms, living areas, and recreational spaces across different levels, ensuring privacy while maintaining open common areas. The staggered design adds architectural interest to the home's exterior while providing functional separation between quiet spaces and active areas.
Back Split
A back split home extends its levels toward the rear of the property, making it an excellent choice for sloped lots. The lower level functions as fully livable space with large windows or sliding glass doors that maximize natural light. Many back splits feature walkout basements that open directly to outdoor areas, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection that's perfect for entertaining and expanding usable living space.
Contemporary Split-Entry Homes
A standard split-entry home features a main entryway positioned between two levels, with the upper level housing the kitchen, dining room, and living area—central spaces for daily activities. The lower level often serves as a family room, guest suite, or home office, providing additional functional space. Many homeowners choose to finish the lower level with extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or entertainment areas, enhancing the home’s usability without expanding its overall footprint. This layout is ideal for those seeking a balance between shared living areas and private spaces.
Contemporary split-entry homes build on the traditional bi-level concept with innovative designs and high-performance materials. These modern designs emphasize efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced aesthetics through clean lines and open spaces, catering to the evolving needs of today's families.
Custom Split-Entry Homes
For homeowners seeking a fully personalized living experience, custom split-entry homes offer flexible design options tailored to individual needs and lifestyle preferences. These customizable homes can feature integrated garages with mudrooms for Minnesota winters, adaptable layouts for dedicated spaces like home offices or in-law suites, and tailored finishes from premium kitchen cabinetry to smart home automation. Every aspect can be designed to enhance comfort, style, and functionality based on your unique requirements.
Why Choose a Split Entry Home?
With so many style options available, split entry homes offer distinct advantages for Minnesota homeowners. They offer a perfect balance of functionality, efficiency, and style for Minnesota homeowners. Their distinctive bi-level design naturally separates living spaces, with main living areas on the upper level and versatile spaces for family rooms, home offices, or guest suites on the lower level. This separation creates privacy while maintaining an open, connected feel throughout the home.
Beyond smart space utilization, split entry homes provide excellent climate control with even heating and cooling distribution that's ideal for Minnesota's varied seasons. Large windows on both levels flood the interior with natural light, creating bright, welcoming spaces year-round. Climate-adapted features like insulated garages, practical mudrooms, and durable materials enhance comfort and longevity against harsh weather conditions.
Split entry designs are also remarkably adaptable to different lot types. Whether you have a flat lot that's perfect for a standard bi-level or raised ranch, or a sloped property that can take advantage of a walkout basement or back split design, there's a split entry option that maximizes your land's potential. This versatility, combined with their efficient footprint, makes split entry homes an excellent choice for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a home that grows with their needs.
Ready to Get Started?
Explore the possibilities of split entry floor plans in Minnesota by contacting Haven Homes today. Schedule a consultation and begin designing a home that reflects your lifestyle and vision.
Frequently Asked Questions on Split Entry Homes
How long does it take to build a split entry home?
The construction timeline depends on factors like design complexity, site conditions, and permitting processes. However, split entry homes generally have shorter construction times than multi-story homes due to their straightforward layout and efficient use of materials.
How to remodel a split entry home?
When remodeling a split entry home, focus on enhancing the entry experience with an expanded foyer, updating the staircase, or creating an open-concept main level by removing non-load-bearing walls. Lower levels can be transformed into entertainment spaces, home offices, or in-law suites. Consider exterior updates like expanded front porches or modern finishes to boost curb appeal and modernize the home's appearance.
Are split entry homes harder to sell?
Split entry homes remain popular in Minnesota due to their practicality in our climate, efficient use of space, and adaptability to different lot types. While design preferences evolve, well-maintained and thoughtfully updated split entry homes with modern finishes and functional layouts continue to attract buyers seeking value, especially families and first-time homeowners.
Can split entry homes be built on sloped lots?
Yes! Split entry homes are an excellent choice for sloped lots, particularly those with walkout basement designs. These layouts take advantage of the natural terrain, providing direct outdoor access from the lower level, increasing natural light, and expanding usable living space. This makes split entry homes with walkouts especially desirable for homeowners who want an enhanced indoor-outdoor connection.