Everybody wants to have and enjoy big things; a nice big house with a yard, a nice car that speaks to your character, or nice clothes that make you look respected. It is the American dream after all to have it all, having everyone envy you.
Mystery Giant Hole
With a nice house and yard as it is, Wayne Martin embarked on a project to amplify his home. He started off by digging a massive hole in the middle of his backyard, leaving his neighbors thinking he was nuts. What he actually did with the hole will leave you to astonish.
Mystery Giant Hole
The 20-foot Container
Wayne had a plan from the start, he had purchased a 20-foot container long before the digging began in his backyard. Knowing where to look on the internet is very important to find amazing discounted prices on containers. It’s very easy blowing your budget when buying DIY products, hence it is important to avoid buying unnecessary products for the job. Wayne was at an advantage by securing his shipping container for a remarkable price which kept his budget low.
The 20 Foot Container
Flushing The Container
As soon as the container arrived Wayne opted to flush the container permanently. He sealed the two main doors permanently and built in a single swing door to provide a single entrance and exit. Sealing the container would need a thorough job, by ensuring that nothing could leak in and out of it. To ensure a one-way entrance, the single door was installed to swing inwards only. Once you see what he did next will make sense of it all.
Flushing The Container
Two Feet Deeper
Imagine how much of a mess it would have been if Wayne had not dug a hole big enough to fit the container. He made sure to dig at least two feet deeper than the height of the container to ensure a complete fit. Clearly, he had thought his plan through before placing the container. He intentionally left space around the entrance area and about two feet extra space all around the container.
Two Feet Deeper
Pea Gravel for a Soft Base
To ensure a soft base for the container and a drainage system to the soil below the container, Wayne lined up the hole with some pea gravel. it is obvious by now that Wayne had the container and hole in mind, but why? The biggest clue yet is the extra space above the container once it is was fitted in the hole.
Pea Gravel For A Soft Base
Outsource a Professional
Wayne is the DIY man, and although most of the project was done by him, some parts of this project needed professional assistance. It only made sense because not everybody has access to big machinery like a crane, to hoist a container and accurately fit it in the ground. Hence the heavy lifting needed a specific company to help with such equipment. It was certainly a good decision by Wayne, instead of trying to do it all with friends and family. Once the container was in the ground, you would think of that the tricky part is over.
Outsource A Professional
A Snug Fit Hole
Making the hole bigger than the container only makes sense, this allows more freedom and room around it. We know that Wayne purposefully left two feet of space around the container and in front of the entrance area, to allow a full rotation for the swinging door. The real project began as soon as the container was successfully fitted. Now that you really have an idea of what Wayne has in mind, the execution of it may well inspire your own DIY projects.
A Snug Fit Hole
Underground Drainage System
It is essential for all enclosed spaces, especially those underground, to have a sump pump system. Generally found in basements, to allow the underground area to stay above the waterline, a sump pump helps drain these enclosed spaces. When you have an underground bunker for storage, the last thing you want to experience is a flood penetrating through your safe fortress. But what did Wayne plan to safeguard in his bunker?
Underground Drainage System
Nothing Beats a Grand Entrance
The entrance design of an underground bunker is very important. Logically, Wayne designed the entrance and laid out concrete steps, and cleverly made the top step the height of the container. Rather than a fireman’s pole or ladder, the staircase does not only look better but provides a simple and convenient movement. With the basic structure in place, Wayne was ready to finish up the exterior and start working on the interior.
Nothing Beats A Grand Entrance
Beams To Stabilize The Structure
To stabilize the entire structure, two I-beams were stalled, to ensure safety while working on the project. You would think that such a big structure would not be able to move, but in reality, any ground movement could shift at any time, which could result in an unstable jerk of the bunker. With further exterior plans, Wayne fitted the two I-beams as supporting frames. Soon to be apparent we will see what else he was planning.
Beams To Stabilize The Structure
Roof For The Bunker?
When working on a DIY project, it is easy to overlook the important aspects, and stabilizing the roof when installing an underground structure is critical. The I-beams served as a roof supporting structure to the container. Now that you can see Wayne’s plan for the bunker, you begin to understand why the hole was dug deeper, to allow a flat surface blend to the rest of the yard.
Roof For The Bunker
The Method Behind the Madness
Although it does not seem like common sense, Wayne’s plan includes having an underground roof. To support the weight of a dog or a person, he inserted strong metal sheeting on the structure of the framework. Seeing the framework, you can almost get the picture of the roof idea he has. Now that the exterior is near completion, you cannot help but wonder what Wayne is planning for the interior.
The Method Behind The Madness
Rebar Support for the Staircase
We have already seen how Wayne planned and built a concrete staircase that would serve as the only entrance and exit to the bunker. He was not happy with a common staircase, instead, he wanted a grand entrance, fit for a king! Once the roof was up and secure, he started working on it. To support the entrance, Wayne installed some rebars around the wide opening from the roof. If you are going to go through all the trouble to build such a fortress, why not do it properly, Go Big!
Rebar Support For The Staircase
Concrete Blocks for Safety
When Wayne decided to build his bunker, safety was the most important aspect. He made sure that his bunker was up to the highest safety standards. You would swear that his bunker was built to be a makeshift bomb shelter, built strong and to last forever. Was this the real purpose of building the bunker or does he have other ideas for his underground fortress?
Concrete Blocks For Safety
Ventilation System
A sump pump is important to drain unwanted water from underground, just as important as a sump pump, another important underground installation is an air ventilation system. Without fresh clean air, nobody would comfortably survive underground, hence Wayne installed two 12-inch vents, both in front and in the back vicinity of the container. This is a clear indication that Wayne had planned to spend quality time underground. And for what practical reason maybe?
Ventilation System
Pouring Concrete To Coat the Bunker
It seems like the perfect plan is coming together and everything looks in place, yet Wayne can never be too cautious. With freezing winters and the possibility of ground shaking movements, Wayne decided to shell his bunker with concrete all around, including the top surface of the bunker. Pouring concrete can be a tricky task, but Wayne seems to have done it perfectly well.
Evenly smooth and fitting to the rest of the yard, even though it is taken up by the project at this point. In the end, we will be looking at a backyard masterpiece.
Pouring Concrete To Coat The Bunker
Six Inches Strong
You would think that a thin layer of concrete on top of the bunker is enough, not Wayne. He poured six inches of concrete on top of the bunker; seems like a lot right? But Wayne never deviated from making the bunker a secure, strong and safe structure to handle all kinds of weather conditions. With the exterior construct pretty much done, Wayne turns his focus to the interior part of his Project.
Six Inches Strong
Blocks to Cover the Rebar
After the original concrete had dried up, to ensure a strong and secure entrance Wayne added small concrete blocks through the rebars. The entrance is the first point of contact and exposed to all outside elements, Wayne decided to protect it better. Expecting rough beating on the door, from poor weather conditions or maybe even animals, installing more concrete bricks was the way. with this final touch to the exterior of the fortress, let us take a walk downstairs and see the interior work.
Blocks To Cover The Rebar
Taking Down the Support Beams
When working on a construction project like this, safety is of paramount importance. It would be a set up for failure if no precautions were in place for safety and security. With no time pressure, shortcuts are simply not an option. All those beans were not for show, after all, they served as a foundation stabilizer for the bunker. Now that the concrete has dried up, it was time to dismantle them from the structure.
Taking Down The Support Beams
Cover It All With Soil
The bunker was finally done, so Wayne decided to fill the open spaces above the bunker, to avoid a dull and dirty construction look in the middle of the yard. To recover some yard space, he can work on a plant landscape to help blend with the rest of the green yard. From having a hole in the middle of the yard, the efforts of covering the concrete with sand, make it look like the hole was never there. The bunker looks so disguised under there.
Cover It All With Soil
Underground Wine Cellar?
All of that hard work, no one expected the bunker to be a wine cellar. But then again, everybody knows that liquor is best stored underground. In the coolness, the alcohol is preserved and lasts many more years. The bunker is quite spacious; is it only a wine cellar, or is Wayne planning to utilise the space for something else as well?
Underground Wine Cellar
Not Just For Wine
A shipping container like this one can help serve a number of needs. With an enormous amount of space, as shown in the picture, you can utilise the space to store seldom-used items like Christmas decorations, as well as store non-perishable food items bought in bulk.
Imagine the worst-case scenario; your family is facing an emergency like a natural disaster. If it became necessary to do so, Wayne is now equipped with his very own shelter to weather the storm. Given the fact that most of the container’s space is underground, it is a worthwhile project to have without utilising too much space in the yard.
Not Just For Wine
Container Specs Available to All
With minimal finances and resources, it is interesting to know that Wayne’s project can be achievable. Wayne decided to be generous and share the plans for his masterpiece with the whole world. From the actual container specs down to a detailed plan of how he created his own bunker. In detail, he gives DIYers useful tips on what things to pay attention to successfully replicate his project at first try.
Container Specs Available To All
Wayne’s Tips And Tricks
Included in Wayne’s tips and tricks for designing and building the perfect bunker is a suggestion of adding handrails to improve safety when walking down the staircase. This is a great idea, especially if weather conditions get cold and icy, the stairs could prove to be slippery and dangerous. Another clever suggestion from Wayne is an additional overhang cover over the entrance. Apart from keeping animals away from the stairway, the overhand serves as a weather safety feature.
Waynes Tips And Tricks
Other Great Bunker Ideas
During the Cold War (1947-1991), The American government suggested that people should create shelters and bunkers in their homes for safety and protection. Concrete was the recommended material to build a strong and secure roof. Although there is no war in the world today, many people still opt to have underground bunkers in their homes for many different purposes. Shelters and bunkers were not great in the 1960s, nowadays you can access and purchase readily available resources for your projects.
Other Great Bunker Ideas
Bunkers In High Demand
In 2017, foreign relations grew tense leaving Americans uncertain for the future, but to prepare for a possible wartime situation. This meant significant growth for bunker building businesses. Clyde Scott of Rising Bunkers in Texas reported that his business turnover was at an all-time high between the years 2016 – 2017.
Reported in the Independent, his business grew to a $10 million a year business, with a 400% sales increase.
Bunkers In High Demand
Wayne’s Bunker Came At a Cost
Although Wayne’s bunker came at a cost, it was certainly much lower than you think. For his DIY bunker, he spent a reasonable 12500 US dollars. Wayne owns his own tractor, and having to do most of the work himself, it helped keep the cost low.
The tractor likely helped with the digging and filling of the soil. A highly resourceful way to DIY, however many who do not have the luxury turn to bunker companies to build for them.
Waynes Bunker Came At A Cost
Upper Middle-Class Clientele
Paul Seyfried is the CEO of Utah Shelter Systems, and he says in recent years the business has picked up. Receiving requests from all over the country, he mentions that most customers are coming from California, New York and Texas. With families making different orders for their personal projects and protection shelters, some seek radiation contamination shelters and to deflect electromagnetic pulses.
Now let us take a trip to South Dakota.
Upper Middle Class Clientele
Bunkers In South Dakota
Abandoned since 1967, a decommissioned army base in South Dakota is revived planned for civilian occupancy. The isolated facility has about 575 concrete bunkers with the intention of constructing a lot more, available to lease for $1000 a year and $25000 for 99 years. With the selling point of being quite spacious, there is some room for improvement.
The bunkers have no electrics, plumbing or filtration systems.
Bunkers In South Dakota
A Variety Of Options
From selling 10 shelters in 2011 to selling 30 shelters over three days when Trump came to power. Atlas Survival Shelters are a California-based company specialising in bunkers.
For customers looking for a personalized camping experience, Atlas includes extras to bring in your home Comforts. Atlas survival shelters say they mostly see baby boomer, who have lived through the threat of nuclear or missile attacks, and want to be prepared should it happen again.
A Variety Of Options