Basement v cellar
The Building Regulations Approved Document F, 'Ventilation' suggests that, in relation to dwellings, a basement:
'...is a dwelling or a usable part of a dwelling (i.e. a habitable room), that is situated partly or entirely below ground level.'
Whereas a cellar:
'... is part of a dwelling which is situated partly of entirely below ground level, and is distinct from a basement in that it is used only for storage, heating plant or purposes other than habitation.'
NB: Approved document B, Fire Safety, Volume 1 Dwelling houses, defines a ‘basement storey’ as ‘A storey with a floor which at some point is more than 1,200 mm below the highest level of ground adjacent to the outside walls.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved documents.
- Attic v loft.
- Basement.
- Basement excavation.
- Basement impact assessment.
- Basement waterproofing.
- Bathroom definition.
- Crawl space.
- Dwellinghouse.
- Flat definition.
- Household.
- Planning (Subterranean Development) Bill.
- Residential definition.
- Right of support.
- Safe room.
- Sanitary accommodation.
- Storey.
- Types of room.
- Utility room.
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.