Requirements, planning and implementation

An alternative, provided that there is still a little space left on the property, would be the subsequent construction of an earth cellar, depending on the Terrain structure completely underground or as an independent structure, similar to a shed, partly above the ground, for example on a slope, is created.

The planning of the storage tank in the earth

A shady place on the property is suitable as a location, if possible with an orientation to the north, which reduces the duration of intense solar radiation to a minimum were. Further aspects for the size and location of your Earth cellar:

• What is the height of the water table?
• Do you want to build your own brickwork or use an industrially prefabricated basement made of plastic material?
• Is a building permit required (size, covered area, connection to the power grid, roof drainage)?
• Can the cellar be reached at any time of the year (paths, distance from the property boundary)?
• Will neighbors be disturbed by foreseeable visibility restrictions?

Structural requirements for the earth cellar

An essential prerequisite for keeping fruit and vegetables fresh from the harvest for a longer period of time is proper ventilation for the Interior space that must also be deep enough in the ground and with appropriate insulation against moisture penetration from the outside is protected. For most types of storage, temperatures between 3 to 5 ° C and humidity values ​​of around 70 to 80 percent are optimal. If your property offers a lot of space, a walk-in basement can be worthwhile Its construction costs are not exactly cheap, but there are good reasons for such an investment speak:

• Planting and harvesting a lot means buying less and will noticeably relieve your wallet in the long run.
• Storing fruit and vegetables in the cellar increases the shelf life of the vitamins and you have to throw away significantly less.
• Since no additional energy is required for storage, the Erdkeller is a very environmentally friendly option with no additional operating costs.
• The property is built with a naturally laid out earth cellar made of masonry bricks, combined with an attractive one Wood or slate roofing (perhaps in the style of the fairytale hobbit houses?) Optically very impressive upgraded.

Recommendations for the construction process

As with almost every construction project, there are no limits to your own creativity when setting up an earth cellar. Smaller, partially underground storage facilities can also be built in a similar way to one with little money and effort Cold frame realize. If it is a slightly larger new building, it is best to first dig a pit between 80 and 150 cm deep, which is then compacted towards the ground with a tamper. The following scenario could look like this:

• Line the interior of the cellar with shuttering boards and pour concrete;
• Once dry, remove the boarding and use bricks (except for the door opening) to build walls up to the desired height;
• after three to four layers, fill the soil with gravel at a height of 15 to 20 cm and compact it, Wire mesh(€ 17.32 at Amazon *) and fleece to protect against rodents and with Grit(€ 49.99 at Amazon *) or compact pebbles too;
• wall up all sides with bricks to the desired height, then pour a 10 to 15 cm thick load-bearing ceiling using steel mats;
• Walls and ceiling with Pond liner and lining with an insulating layer;
• final assembly of exhaust duct, door, roof covering, drainage, drainage, stairs with substructure;

Depending on the location and the profile of the property, the basement can be covered with earth and then greened, but wooden roofs are also very much in vogue for such structures.

Alternatives to building the new earth cellar

Costs and a lot of construction work can be saved if a building that is already on the property is retrofitted with a basement. Both the gazebo and the tool shed or your garage are suitable for this. In this case, the foundation only needs to be broken open to the desired size of the earth cellar and a corresponding pit excavated. The edges are then stabilized with concrete and angled profile, the newly gained basement is only given a secure cover with solid wooden planks at the end.