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Goodbye, electricity bills! Lihamagnaat’s zero-energy root cellar keeps meat fresh all year round

In the food industry, there is no room for compromise – quality, hygiene and an unbroken cold chain are of critical importance. Revonia had the excellent opportunity to assist Lihamagnaat OÜ, a meat processing company based in Maidla village, Saue Parish. They faced a fascinating challenge: how to create a cellar that is energy-efficient, visually stunning, and compliant with all the strict requirements of the Estonian Agriculture and Food Board (PTA)? The answer lays underground.

A recommendation from an unexpected source

The founder of Lihamagnaat did thorough homework before reaching us. Already 3-4 years ago, he consulted with the PTA on how to ensure meat stays fresh and storage conditions remain impeccable. The official’s advice, however, came from an unexpected direction:

“Build yourself a root cellar – it’s the simplest way. You won’t have to keep refrigerators running, monitor them, or worry about power outages.”

This recommendation sparked a search that eventually led the client to our doorstep. As the owner of Lihamagnaat recalls: “My gut feeling told me the pearl was hidden here.”

Why choose a Revonia cellar?

We believe that trust and real-world experience were the deciding factors. Unlike many other solutions, our cellars are not just promises on paper. Our factory yard is filled with various modules – from simple concrete elements to fully finished solutions. This gives the client immediate peace of mind.

As the project was completed with the help of the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (Töötukassa) start-up subsidy (EVAT), correct documentation and swift communication were also critical. Together, we found the perfect solution for Lihamagnaat’s needs: a 4.5 m² concrete module, which we enhanced with additional PUR-foam insulation, shelving and wooden doors.

Although we agreed on a one-month deadline, we finished and installed the product even faster than expected.

Today, Lihamagnaat’s root cellar is in full swing, and the results are impressive:

  • The cellar maintains a stable temperature without any expenses. Even during freezing outdoor temperatures, the interior remains steady at +2.5 °C.
  • The walls and floors are coated with food-grade certified paint and the shelves are finished with natural linseed oil.
  • Situated 1.25 meters underground, the cellar is completely shielded from external elements.

The highest recognition

The greatest praise came during an official inspection. After the review, the Chief Specialist of the PTA admitted they had never seen a root cellar where everything met the requirements immediately upon the first visit. This is the best proof that our concrete modules offer a level of quality that is nearly impossible to achieve when building with blocks – moisture and temperature fluctuations simply cannot penetrate the monolithic structure.

Practicality meets beauty

In addition to technical precision, this cellar is a treat for the eyes. While it currently houses valuable meat products, a true display of color awaits in the spring – over 200 crocus bulbs have been planted on top of the cellar, soon to be in full bloom.

The owner of Lihamagnaat summarizes the collaboration:

“We recommend Revonia vaulted cellars to anyone planning to create a natural refrigerator, a wine cellar or even a sauna in their yard. It is a solid investment.”

We are sincerely happy to be part of the success story of an Estonian small business. If your business or home needs a smart, maintenance-free storage solution, come visit us at our factory.

Watch the construction process of Lihamagnaat’s cellar here: