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We are planning the construction of a new house with a slab foundation. We would like to create something equivalent to an earth cellar/cold room, and I am wondering if it's possible to utilize the cold and the ground under the slab as a source for this. Can we use it to draw in cold air, and what do we need to consider in terms of dehumidification, etc., before the casting? If anyone has experiences and/or ideas regarding this, they are gladly received.
Peaceful lilies
Henrik
We are planning the construction of a new house with a slab foundation. We would like to create something equivalent to an earth cellar/cold room, and I am wondering if it's possible to utilize the cold and the ground under the slab as a source for this. Can we use it to draw in cold air, and what do we need to consider in terms of dehumidification, etc., before the casting? If anyone has experiences and/or ideas regarding this, they are gladly received.
Peaceful lilies
Henrik
The house's slab on grade must have insulation underneath to prevent moisture problems. It might not be optimal to place a pantry cellar on top of this, then. However, you can certainly create an earth cellar that somehow stands to the side and maybe is partially or fully dug into the ground. It needs to be insulated from the rest of the house. Moisture problems in cellars mainly arise due to warm air coming from somewhere else. The cellar itself does not get moisture from the ground if it only stands on a proper capillary-breaking gravel layer. If you are not too knowledgeable in construction, you should get help with drafting this design. I guess some thought needs to go into it.
It might be possible to do so. However, since it is an untested method, it will be seen as a risk construction. It won't be easy if you change the use of the space. A more conventional cold room is probably better. What type of heating will you use?