Introduction
After renovating the two other bedrooms in the ninth article of this series, it was time to tackle the complete renovation of the cellier. This space, located on the ground floor, housed the boiler and provided access to the basement. This renovation represented a significant technical challenge: transforming this utility space into two functional and well-insulated rooms - an office and a pantry/laundry room - while preserving access to the basement and integrating the boiler.
The project involved several complex technical steps: ceiling insulation with a hanger system in the hollow block ceiling, BA13 plasterboard ceiling installation, wall insulation, and the creation of two distinct spaces with their own functionalities. This renovation was essential to optimize the use of this space and improve the thermal comfort of the house.
Initial State / Demolition
The cellier still retained its original 1970s state. The space was raw, with a hollow block ceiling (concrete ceiling with cells), and suboptimal organization. The boiler was installed in a corner of the room. Access to the basement was enclosed in a stairwell with two walls that completely closed off the room, which significantly limited the use of the space.
To optimize the space and fully exploit the available surface area, I decided to demolish these two walls to completely open up the room and exploit the space above the basement. This demolition freed up the space and created an opening to the basement, while maintaining functional access.
The first step was to demolish the existing elements and prepare the space: remove old finishes, demolish the two stairwell walls, clean surfaces, and prepare the walls and ceiling for the upcoming insulation and finishing work.
Ceiling Insulation and BA13 Installation
Ceiling insulation was an important step to improve the comfort of the space. The hollow block ceiling needed a suspension system to support the metal framework and BA13 plasterboard.
I installed metal hangers directly into the hollow block ceiling. These hangers allow suspending a metal framework below. I drilled the ceiling at strategic locations and secured the hangers firmly to support the weight of the insulation and BA13 plasterboard.
Once the hangers were installed, I set up a metal framework with rails and studs. This framework forms a grid that supports the insulation and plasterboard. Between the hollow block ceiling and this framework, I installed a thick layer of 20 cm mineral wool insulation, which significantly improves the comfort of the space.
Once the metal framework and insulation were in place, I proceeded with the installation of BA13 plasterboard on the ceiling.
To facilitate installation, I used a mechanical tool. This tool is essential for this type of work, as it avoids having to manually hold panels weighing several tens of kilograms overhead.
I installed the BA13 panels one by one, screwing them firmly to the metal framework with drywall screws. The panels were placed to create regular joints that would then be filled and sanded to obtain a smooth and uniform surface.
Wall Insulation
To complete the thermal insulation of the space, I also insulated the walls.
I did the wall insulation with extruded polyurethane panels, placed between a metal framework fixed to the walls. Once the insulation was in place, I covered the walls with BA13 panels.
Electrical and Network Installation
The electrical panels were completely redone and brought up to code during the previous renovation, before the cellier renovation.
The office will be the nerve center of the home's computer network. Everything will be housed in a 33U server rack. It was therefore necessary to bring all RJ45 cables to the office, exiting through the ceiling at the location of the server rack.
For the office, I planned a complete network installation with network outlets in the walls. I installed a patch panel to organize network cables.
I also installed multiple outlets for office and laundry equipment, as well as appropriate lighting for each space. All electrical and network cables were installed in conduits to ensure safety.
Plumbing Installation
I also added a small radiator just in case, despite the extensive insulation done. It was necessary to review the copper plumbing network hidden in the wall to add a new branch. Everything was done in multilayer to facilitate the operation.
I provided shut-off valves to allow isolation of each circuit in case of maintenance.
Creation of Two Spaces
One of the main objectives of this renovation was to transform the cellier into two functional and distinct spaces: an office and a pantry/laundry room. This division of space required careful planning to optimize the use of each zone.
The Office
I created the office in one part of the space, with sufficient surface area to install a work surface, shelves, and storage space. This space benefits from natural lighting thanks to a large white aluminum sliding window like the rest of the house, which brings a lot of natural light. The thermal and acoustic insulation installed on the ceiling and walls ensures a comfortable and quiet working environment.
The space can also serve as a guest room thanks to a pull-out bed, making this space a versatile area. Wall storage and shelves allow organizing equipment and office supplies.
The Pantry/Laundry Room
The pantry/laundry room is a space that already existed but had never been renovated. After breaking down the walls providing access to the basement to increase the usable volume, we will take advantage of it to use it as a laundry room to hang laundry and store food and other items.
I kept the boiler in this space, with easy access for maintenance. The installed insulation ensures that the heat produced by the boiler contributes to the comfort of the space without creating overheating. I preserved access to the basement, with a trap door.
The space was organized to optimize storage and facilitate daily use.
Finishes and Final Result
Once the insulation and partitioning work was completed, I proceeded with the finishes: filling and sanding joints between BA13 panels, preparing walls for painting, and applying white paint to walls and ceiling. The white walls create a bright and modern atmosphere in both spaces.
Electrical and network finishes were finalized, with outlets and switches installed, and the network infrastructure operational. Laundry equipment can now be connected, and the office is ready to accommodate computer and work equipment.
The final result is a transformed space, with two functional and well-insulated rooms. The office offers a comfortable and quiet working environment, with a large window bringing natural light, while the pantry/laundry room is a practical and organized space for daily tasks and storage, with the boiler integrated harmoniously.
Conclusion
The complete renovation of the cellier is now finished. The result is a transformed space, with two functional and well-insulated rooms: an office and a pantry/laundry room. This renovation significantly improves the comfort and functionality of this space, while preserving access to the basement and harmoniously integrating the boiler into the pantry/laundry room.