Creating a cellar or icehouse / root cellar is a useful and practical activity that will help keep food fresh for a long time. Let’s consider the main stages of building such a structure, as well as giving tips on the arrangement of storage.
1. Choosing a place for a cellar or icehouse
Cellar
Depth: A cellar is best placed at a depth of 1.5 – 2 metres to ensure stable temperature and humidity.
Slope: It is convenient to locate the cellar on a slope, which will facilitate water drainage.
Accessibility: Ensure that the cellar will be easily accessible for loading and unloading food.
Icehouse
Dark location: The icehouse should be located in a shaded area to minimise heat gain. The north side of the property is ideal.
Humidity: It is important that the site not dry out, but not be too humid either.
2. Design
Cellar
Dimensions: Determine the dimensions depending on your needs. A standard cellar has dimensions of 2 x 2 metres or 3 x 3 metres.
Walls and ceiling: Use bricks, concrete blocks or natural stone for the walls. The ceiling should preferably be made of wooden beams or also concrete.
Icehouse
Structure: An icehouse can be made of wood, concrete or stone. It should have good insulation to keep the cold out.
Shape: Traditionally, cone-shaped to keep snow and ice from melting.
3. Construction
Cellar
Pit Digging: Dig a pit of the desired size. Make sure the bottom of the pit is level.
Walls: Build the walls with the chosen material. Make sure they are strong and resistant to moisture.
Ceiling: Install the ceiling, leaving fans for air circulation.
Entrance: Create a convenient entrance, perhaps with a ladder or door.
Icehouse
Foundation: Build a small foundation for the icehouse out of rocks or concrete.
Walls: Install the walls, leaving small openings for ventilation.
Roof: Make a roof that will keep snow and ice out.
Insulation: Ensure walls and roof are well insulated to minimise heat transfer.
4. Furnishings and storage
Cellar
Shelves: Install shelves for the easy storage of vegetables, fruits and preserves.
Ventilation: Make sure there is good ventilation to prevent mould and rot.
Temperature and Humidity: Keep an eye on the temperature (0 – 5 °C is optimal) and humidity (60 – 80%).
Icehouse
Filling: Fill the ice house with snow and ice to keep the temperature low.
Storage: Store foods that require cold storage in crates or containers to prevent them from freezing.
5. Maintenance and Care
- Check the condition of the cellar and icehouse regularly.
- Remove excess moisture and monitor the condition of the food.
- During winter, keep an eye on the thickness of ice and snow in the icehouse.
Conclusion
Creating a cellar or ice house / root cellar is a fun and rewarding process that will help you keep your food fresh. By following these steps, you will be able to build a reliable and efficient storage space for your supplies. Don’t forget to regularly maintain and check the condition of your storage to ensure its long-term use.
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