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<blockquote data-quote="KDM" data-source="post: 288082" data-attributes="member: 314"><p>Good thread!!&nbsp; Most people think of digging when it comes to a root cellar, but in fact all one is looking for is the insulation properties of soil to preserve foods.&nbsp; There are lots of locations around the world where the water table is to high to dig much of anything or it's just rock so they use above ground root cellars.&nbsp; I've seen everything from dumpsters or shipping containers covered with 2 ft of soil to elaborate concrete structures with lights and power.&nbsp; The main idea is to put up the structure and then add enough soil around it to provide the desired effect.&nbsp; If it were me doing one, I'd look at a bi-level kind of deal where the cellar was half above ground and half below.&nbsp; The below ground would provide access to the temperature moderating abilities of the ground, while the above ground portion would allow ventilation, power access, and convenience.&nbsp; I'd have concrete footings, walls, and ceiling, but the main floor would be dirt to allow moisture and thermal regulation directly with the earth.&nbsp; I think 3ft of dirt surrounding the whole above ground structure would be plenty, but I would check into the specifics of your soils.&nbsp; Think &quot;Hobbit Hole&quot; from lord of the rings, but only with a square door.&nbsp; LOL!!&nbsp; Good Luck!!!</p></blockquote><p></p>

[QUOTE="KDM, post: 288082, member: 314"] Good thread!! Most people think of digging when it comes to a root cellar, but in fact all one is looking for is the insulation properties of soil to preserve foods. There are lots of locations around the world where the water table is to high to dig much of anything or it's just rock so they use above ground root cellars. I've seen everything from dumpsters or shipping containers covered with 2 ft of soil to elaborate concrete structures with lights and power. The main idea is to put up the structure and then add enough soil around it to provide the desired effect. If it were me doing one, I'd look at a bi-level kind of deal where the cellar was half above ground and half below. The below ground would provide access to the temperature moderating abilities of the ground, while the above ground portion would allow ventilation, power access, and convenience. I'd have concrete footings, walls, and ceiling, but the main floor would be dirt to allow moisture and thermal regulation directly with the earth. I think 3ft of dirt surrounding the whole above ground structure would be plenty, but I would check into the specifics of your soils. Think "Hobbit Hole" from lord of the rings, but only with a square door. LOL!! Good Luck!!! [/QUOTE]

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