What is a Cellar?

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

  1. Basement – A habitable underground floor, subject to stricter Building Regulations.
  2. Sub-floor ventilation – Critical to prevent damp in cellars (Approved Document C).
  3. Tanking – Waterproofing method for below-ground structures.
  4. Condensation control – Required to prevent mould in poorly ventilated cellars.
  5. Party Wall Act 1996 – May apply if excavating near adjoining properties.
  6. Damp-proof course (DPC) – Essential for moisture resistance (Approved Document C).
  7. 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.