Are you preparing to turn your small guest closet or the space under your stairs into custom-made wine cellars? Then the following section has some advice for you.
Having a functional and aesthetic wine cellar is a dream come true for many. And wine enthusiasts achieve this dream by converting smaller spaces into stunning glass cellars.
However, many don’t realise that the smaller the space, the more challenging it will be to create a functional wine cellar. This lack of planning often leads to compromised wine cellars and a waste of money.
Luckily, arming yourself with knowledge can help you overcome those challenges effortlessly.
So, dive into the following section and learn the challenges of building a small wine cellar!
What You Should Know Before Turning Your Small Spaces Into Custom-Made Wine Cellars
From not knowing where to fit the different components of the cellar to choosing the incorrect cooling system, making mistakes is common when building a wine cellar in a small room or corner.
1. Start With A Proper Plan
You may think that because you are redesigning a small space, you don’t need to do a lot of planning. But the truth is that tight spaces often need more planning than conventional wine rooms. So, to maintain a pristine environment in your custom wine cabinet, start the process with thorough planning.
Make sure you are on the same page with your wine cellar builders, designers or contractors. Determine the design and capacity of your cellars. And ensure the cellar’s environment is suitable for the ideal cellaring temperature and humidity levels.
2. Calculate The Heat Load
Calculating the heat load of small custom-made wine cellars requires considering all the aspects you would for a spacious room. It includes adding a vapour barrier, doors, and insulation.
Adding thinner insulation is a common mistake people make when building small cellars to free up space. It essentially influences the heat load and puts pressure on the cooling unit. Instead, you can invest in closed-cell foam, which acts as a vapour barrier and insulator. Also, there should be a sufficient gap between your custom wine racks, the wall and the ceiling.
3. The Correct Cooling Unit
To buy the correct cooling unit for your custom-made wine cellars in Australia, calculate the heat load and determine where you will place the unit in the room. Also, you must think about venting exhaust air and the location of air grilles and controllers.
4. The Placement Of The Mechanicals
If you have enough space, consider getting through-the-wall solutions for your best custom wine cellars. However, if you don’t have sufficient area, this solution will struggle to maintain the environment and read the room temperature.
Ducted systems are another option to consider for smaller wine cellars. However, customers often manipulate their size to fit the space, which can lead to system failure.
5. The Impact Of The Surrounding
Building the ideal environment for your wine cellar designs can be challenging in unconventional spots. For instance, if you plan to construct the cellar under your stairs or in a high-traffic area, like the kitchen, you will have to deal with more vibration and heat. Hence, you will need a suitable racking system and cooling solution.
Endnote
Less space can make it challenging to maintain an ideal environment in your custom made wine cellars. Hence, consult a trusted wine cellar builder before committing any costly mistake. They can help you maintain a balance between form and function.
