The Man Digs a Hole in His Backyard: It Soon Becomes the Talk of the Neighborhood!
Neighbors thought Wayne Martin had lost his mind. At first, they couldn’t fathom why he’d dug a massive hole in his backyard. Then, acquaintances speculated that he was planning to build a swimming pool. But as Martin continued his work, it became clear that his ambition was something entirely different. People remained in the dark about the true nature of his project until the very end.
After Wayne dug the hole on his property, his first step was to acquire a shipping container. He managed to buy a cheap one, which delighted him. His idea was to create the perfect underground hideout, a multifunctional space. Below is a photo of the container where it all began. Wayne first sealed the container and then installed a regular door on it, with the crucial requirement that it opened inward.
Next, Martin focused on the depth of the hole. His plan called for it to be 60 centimeters deeper than the height of the container. Additionally, he laid a 15-centimeter layer of fine gravel at the bottom. Wayne then made a special hole for a well pump and installed concrete steps, with the top step level with the container’s roof.
The result was an excellent multifunctional space that could serve as a shelter or a cellar for storing food and wine. The beauty of such a container is its versatility; it offers ample storage and can even sustain someone for a few days in an emergency. When Martin showcased his creation to neighbors and friends, they were amazed and impressed by his masterpiece.
Many wanted to replicate it. Wayne generously sketched out a plan, detailing the steps to create an affordable underground space. In his instructions, he covered all the crucial aspects he had learned during construction, offering valuable tips for those looking to follow in his footsteps.
He recommended using as much concrete as possible and ensuring a sturdy roof. While shelters in the 1960s weren’t very reliable, today people have greater access to various resources and valuable information, making it possible to create safe underground spaces.
