How to waterproof a structure below ground level?

[staithes14]

I'm intending to make a storage/workspace (think of it as a garden shed) which is on a steep slope. It will be a permanent structure with a hard floor (flags) and block walls with a timber frame on top.
Because of the slope, the uphill side will have a higher block wall, which will be in contact with the soil. Building the wall is easy, but I'm wondering how to make it moisture proof?
I was going to use a normal visqueen membrane under the floor but realise that won't do, as it will need to come up the sides of the block wall, between them and the soil, and then what? It'll be showing above ground, and I'd need to step it down the sides to follow the stepped side walls.
I only want a single skin wall but I need it to be dry!
Hope I've explained this enough.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Its the principle that you need and that is effectively protecting the dpm and holding it in position and this detail shows the principle, build your single skin bock wall inside your retaining structure.

Untitled

• freddiemercurystwin
• 1 Nov 2010
• 2

 

[staithes14]

That's kind of what I had in mind, so glad to know I was on the right track. many thanks.