Root Cellar Build.

We're building a Sepp Holzer style root cellar today. Anyone want to watch? Here's a zoom link, if my service holds up:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86710743455

Back wall done. 5 logs in on each side. Calling it a day.

What would the expected life span of the cellar be?

John C Daley wrote:What would the expected life span of the cellar be?

I think Sepp claims about 50 years for his sinple shelters like this in his dry climate with proper coverage and drainage.

Now that the smoke has cleared from the 2023 event season, I wanted to check-in with the different PTJ teams and find out if there's something you'd like to have added to the Boots' to-do list, related to this project.

Is there anything that you all can think of that would help move the root cellar project forward? If so, please note it here in this thread. I'll have a look and see what we can do even if you all aren't here. Thanks!

I'll let JR chime in with specifics, but as I understand it:

1) finish placing, bracing, securing wall logs
2) cut wall logs level
3) place top plates (long half logs) along each side-wall
4) pin top plate to each wall log with rebar pins
5) place roof logs across
6) membrane over whole enclosure
7) backfill sides and back
8) layer of soil over top
9) seed for stabilization

     *** at this point the structure will be safe in any likely weather events ***

10) install ventilation
11) build facade and door

I'm sure there's a lot of nuance and detail to some of this.

JR and I spoke briefly of the possibility of returning around October to try to finish it before winter.  For my part, that depends one whether or not I can complete a few projects at our place before that time.

Question - did the bootcamp make any progress on this root cellar since last year?  

If not, is it in good shape to continue progress?

If so, is that in scope for this year's PTJ?  I know the original plan was to "build it in a day," so wondering what your thoughts are, Paul.

This is waaaay up there on my build list. Theoretically, I am finally going to be growing food enough for true long-term storage this year.

Are there any more still pictures of how far you guys got? I have the book and was going to use it as a manual more or less so I would love any tidbits related to taking the design from the book and enacting it in real life.

I'll have to check, Dan.  I know there are hours upon hours of video, but I'm not sure if we're going to put anything out until the build is finished.  Let me ping some folks who might have some more info . . .

OK thanks. I totally get that.

This year's crew is back at it to finish the root cellar.

I'll be on the lookout for new images.

JR was leading the root cellar build in 2024 PTJ!




Dez with a mister to provide some refreshment!





The happy building crew enjoying the shade they created with their own hands (and some help from Rex the excavator)




There's still some work to do, but it'll get there!

How's the lifespan in heavy, wet clay? Maybe assuming charring for insect and damp protection. Any guesstimates?  Wild Guesses?  Thanks for any response!

New video about the root cellar build. See what was done and hear what is the plan with the build from now on!