subsolo

Subsolo is a term in Portuguese that denotes the portion of a building located below ground level. It is commonly used to refer to floors beneath the main entrance level, often labeled as -1, -2, etc. Unlike porão, which can imply a cellar or storage space in a residential context, subsolo emphasizes an underground floor that may be used for parking, storage, mechanical rooms, or service areas. In architectural plans in Brazil and Portugal, subsolo is a standard designation in floor plans and zoning.

The etymology derives from sub- (below) + solo (ground/floor). The concept exists in many languages with different terms; in Portuguese-speaking contexts, subsolo contrasts with pavimento térreo (ground floor) and pisos superiores (upper floors). Subsolos are often partially or wholly below grade and can include windows or light wells to meet ventilation and daylight requirements.

Typical subsolos are used for parking garages, loading docks, maintenance facilities, and sometimes auxiliary living or working spaces, subject to local regulations and building codes. Construction considerations include waterproofing, drainage, structural reinforcement, fire safety, ventilation, lighting, and egress routes. In urban centers, subsolos maximize usable above-ground area by placing non-habitable functions underground, though they may present higher costs and accessibility challenges.

In summary, subsolo refers to an underground or partially underground floor in a building, serving practical functions such as parking, storage, and services, and is a standard term in Portuguese architectural language.