A long-held idea takes shape
The project began when the client described a dream he had carried for a long time: a root cellar made for this exact site, with a character that felt natural in the garden.
During the first site visit, we discussed the position and took measurements among the exposed bedrock. Once the site had been measured, Murkvalitet was given freedom to sketch and develop a solution that followed the terrain.
The project shows how masonry, concrete work and natural stone can come together in a fully bespoke structure.
A foundation cast into the bedrock
The first major challenge was adapting the structural base to the rock and casting it directly into the setting. The formwork was made from 22 mm plywood and timber studs and shaped around the uneven rock surfaces.
Once the formwork was complete, the foundation and structural base could be poured. This produced a stable starting point that worked with the site rather than trying to make the bedrock regular.
250 mm block walls for stability and cool conditions
The walls were built on the concrete base using 250 mm lightweight aggregate blocks. The thickness was selected for structural stability and to create good conditions for maintaining a cool interior.
Recesses and shelves were built into the walls as the masonry progressed. At the front, the large circular opening was shaped for the Hobbit-inspired door requested by the client.
Formwork, reinforcement and roof pour
Once the walls were up, a robust form was constructed for the upper structure. It was stabilised to withstand an estimated pressure of around four tonnes during the concrete pour.
Reinforcement was then installed across the entire roof area. After final checks, the roof was poured and the continuous structural shell completed.
Natural stone, round door and green roof
With the main structure complete, the round timber door was installed. The block walls were then clad in natural stone to give the root cellar the rustic character envisioned by the client.
The dark timber, irregular stone and soil-covered green roof connect the building with the surrounding bedrock and planting.
The result
The finished root cellar was shaped around the site, from the first measurements to the final stone. The round door gives it a distinctive identity, while the natural stone and green roof help it settle into the rocky garden.
It was an unusual and demanding project in which formwork, concrete and masonry had to be solved as one complete system—and where the client's long-held idea finally became real.
Planning a bespoke masonry project?
Do you have an idea that must be adapted to bedrock, terrain or an existing setting? Send a short description and photos of the site, and we can discuss the conditions. Contact us here.
