Not many properties are built with cellars, but where space is at a premium, or there are planning restrictions on the height of the building, then they can provide additional useful space.

The cellar walls act as retaining walls, but because they generally form a box type structure, they may be designed more economically than freestanding retaining walls. This is particularly so if the floor above the cellar is a concrete floor, because this provides very good lateral restraint to the tops of the walls.

Our structural calculations for a cellar, includes the design of a reinforced concrete raft foundation, because in our opinion, this is the only way of allowing an effective waterproofing system to be installed.

We need the following information to design a cellar :

architectural layouts or sketch drawings with dimensions, of the cellar and any walls above it

the internal floor to ceiling height of the cellar and the relative level of the outside ground

Design information

All designs are carried out in accordance with BS 8110 (The structural use of concrete), BS5628 Part 2 'The structural use of reinforced and pre-stressed masonry' and BS 8004:1986 (The code of practice for foundations).

The calculations provided will be suitable for Building Regulation approval.

Please note our designs are for the structure of the cellar and do not include any waterproofing details. We recommend that any cellars are fully waterproofed and that the waterproofing is carried out by a specialist contractor who is able and willing to provide a written guarantee for the work.

You should satisfy yourself that the excavation for the cellar will not undermine any adjacent foundations or neighbouring ground.

Excavations may fall under the Party Wall Act. Please seek specialist advice. click for party wall act information