How to Build A Cellar

I grew up in Switzerland, where every family had a cellar in their home. We used it to store fruit and vegetables, preserves, and wine.

When I moved to New Zealand, I really missed having a cellar and began wondering how I could build one. At first, I considered using a concrete dangerous-goods shed, piling soil around it for insulation. The idea was that the soil would keep the cellar cool, and we could plant shrubs on top to help hold everything in place.

I went to Alpha Precast in Motueka and explained what I was looking for. Jon told me that a square concrete shed wouldn’t be as strong as a round one. Together, we came up with the idea of using a concrete water tank instead. His plan was to build a solid wall through the centre of the cellar, giving me a flat surface for shelving.

The central wall would also support the cellar’s lid, the weight of the soil covering it, and even a bathtub installed on top—complete with a gas califont for hot water.

The view from that bathtub was incredible. Over the years, we changed the plantings on the cellar roof and eventually removed the tub, but the cellar itself is still very much in use.