A cellar is a subterranean or partially underground storage space, typically found in residential or commercial buildings. Unlike a basement, which is often habitable and may include living spaces, a cellar is primarily designed for storage (e.g., wine, food, utilities) and lacks the thermal comfort or natural light required for regular occupancy.
Context (vs. Basement) #
- Cellar: Used for storage, often unheated, with minimal ventilation and insulation.
- Basement: Designed for habitation, with compliance to Part B (Fire Safety), Part C (Site Preparation & Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture), and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations (England).
Synonyms #
- Underground storage
- Wine cellar (if specialised)
- Root cellar (historical usage)
Related Terms #
- Basement – A habitable underground floor, subject to stricter Building Regulations.
- Sub-floor ventilation – Critical to prevent damp in cellars (Approved Document C).
- Tanking – Waterproofing method for below-ground structures.
- Condensation control – Required to prevent mould in poorly ventilated cellars.
- Party Wall Act 1996 – May apply if excavating near adjoining properties.
- Damp-proof course (DPC) – Essential for moisture resistance (Approved Document C).
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) – Sometimes retrofitted to improve air quality.
Practical Examples #
- A Victorian terraced house with an original coal cellar, now repurposed for wine storage.
- A retrofit project adding a sump pump and tanking to prevent groundwater ingress in a cellar.
Regulatory References #
- Approved Document C (Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture) – Covers waterproofing and ventilation.
- Approved Document B (Fire Safety) – Relevant if converting a cellar into a habitable space.