The bel-étage house is one of the most popular types in Georgia: the living floor is raised above the ground, and the lower, semi-basement or low floor is given over to a garage, wine cellar, storage or technical rooms. In this article we explain what a bel-étage is, who it suits and what its design costs.
What is a bel-étage
Bel-étage (French for "the beautiful floor") is the main living floor that stands on a lower floor and is raised about half or a full storey above the ground. The entrance usually gets wide steps and a terrace with a good view over the garden.
Advantages of a bel-étage
- a lower floor for a garage, wine cellar, laundry, boiler room or guest room;
- the living floor is protected from ground damp and cold;
- better views from the windows and more privacy from the street;
- on a sloping plot the terrain is used naturally — less earthwork;
- two independent zones in one building — living and utility.
What to watch out for
The lower floor area usually counts towards the building's total floor area, so it affects the building class and the K2 coefficient. Waterproofing, daylight and ventilation on the lower floor matter too, as does a convenient staircase — for older residents an internal stair or space for a lift is sometimes planned.
How much does a bel-étage house design cost?
At Asymmetry an architectural project costs GEL 10 to 40 per m², lower floor included. For example, a 120 m² living floor plus a 60 m² lower floor (180 m² in total) is about GEL 1,800–7,200. We'll tell you the exact, fixed price in advance, in the contract.
Class, approval and timelines
A bel-étage private house is usually a Class II building (60–500 m², up to 12 m high). Design documentation takes 4–8 weeks; approval and the building permit take about 3–4 months.
How we help at Asymmetry
First we check the plot for free — terrain, K1 and K2, and whether a bel-étage makes sense on your site. Then we create the concept and 3D visualisation, working drawings and the structural design, and obtain the building permit.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a bel-étage house?
In a bel-étage house the main living floor is raised above the ground and stands on a lower (semi-basement) floor used for a garage, wine cellar, storage or technical rooms.
How much does a bel-étage house design cost?
The design costs GEL 10–40 per m², lower floor included. For example, 120 + 60 m² (180 m² in total) is about GEL 1,800–7,200.
Does the lower floor count towards the house's floor area?
Usually yes — the lower floor area counts towards the total and affects the building class and the K2 coefficient. It is checked exactly against the plot conditions.
How do I get the exact price of my house design?
Send us the plot's cadastral code and the floor area you want (via the price calculator or WhatsApp +995 571 14 14 69). We check the plot for free and tell you a fixed price in advance — price and timelines are fixed in the contract.