Semi-basement
– Definition of Semi-basement:
– Semi-basement is a floor of a building that is half below ground.
– It is different from a true basement or cellar as it is partially above ground.
– Typically found in larger houses where staff resided.
– Contains kitchens and domestic offices.
– Allows outside light in through windows, although views are limited.
– Purpose of Semi-basement:
– Provided living quarters for servants in larger houses.
– Helped in keeping servants focused on their tasks by limiting distractions.
– Elevated the ground floor to enhance views from reception rooms.
– Reduced dampness issues compared to traditional basements.
– Contributed to the aesthetic value of the building.
– Features of Semi-basement:
– Windows at ground level externally.
– Windows too high internally for views.
– Raised the ground floor for better views.
– Contained kitchens and domestic offices.
– Allowed natural light into the space.
– Advantages of Semi-basement:
– Allowed natural light into the space.
– Elevated ground floor for better views.
– Reduced damp problems compared to basements.
– Kept servants focused on their duties.
– Contributed to the aesthetic value of the building.
– Historical Significance of Semi-basement:
– Common in larger houses with servant quarters.
– Staff traditionally inhabited the semi-basement.
– Elevated ground floor for improved views.
– Helped in maintaining the building’s aesthetic value.
– Reduced dampness issues that were common in basements.
In architecture, a semi-basement, lower ground, lower level, etc. is a floor of a building that is half below ground, rather than entirely such as a true basement or cellar.
Traditionally, semi-basements were designed in larger houses where staff was housed. A semi-basement usually contained kitchens and domestic offices. The advantage over a basement is that a semi-basement can let outside light in as it can have windows, albeit ones that are often too high to enjoy a view. Historically this was an advantage as the servants, who traditionally inhabited such a floor, would not have the opportunity to waste time by looking out of the window.
The feature also has the aesthetic value of raising the ground floor, containing the building's reception rooms higher from the ground in order that they could enjoy better views, and be more free from the damp problems which always arose before the days of modern technology.
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Lower floor with exhibition in Sagrada Família -
Lower ground floor with cafe in Brisbane
