A questioner said:
What is it used for? Cinder block structure built by previous house owner in my garden, 3 separate chambers with lids on the top and access gates at the front
Some of the people opinions on it:
1. old concrete coal bunker
2. My first impression is a composting bin setup where the compost is moved through the three bins over time. That said, it looks like it would be difficult to use in a sequential manner due to heavy lids, difficulty shoveling /emptying through the gated opening, and apparent overall height. So maybe it was a setup in which one bin is filled each year and allowed to decompose for 2-3 years before the resulting compost is removed for use in garden. (edited a typo)
3. Is there any trash ceramic or fired brick or pottery laying about? looks like an old kiln to me.
4. Bro. I have the same fucking thing in my backyard, northern Germany. Gotta Check Out the overgrown top If I have those lids, too, and my “Doors” are Made from individual wooden Boards, now rotten. No Idea what for. Initially thought compost, but it’s really massive for that, what would be the Point?
5. Incinerator?
6. Maybe for burning trash, or composting of some sort?
7. It’s a composting toilet. You use one until it’s full, then move down the line. The full one sits for like 6months with the top on, then gets shoveled out the bottom and the process starts over. They probably had a move able seat/stool and then some kind of structure built over the whole thing for privacy which has since rotted away. 3 compartments would suggest to me that it was used by many people – I’ve seen smaller ones with only two bins in central America. They probably needed 3 bins because they filled the bin quicker than once every 6 months.
8. Compost bins. Use one while refilling the others.
9. Do you fill it from the top, and empty it from the front? Feed storage so critters don’t get at stuff? Storage for something like but not necessarily, coal? Salt? Gravel? Giant BBQ? Feed fuel into the bottom, and cook stuff over the top?
10. I assume the metal plates on the top can be removed? I’d guess its a compost system where you load the new plant matter in the top, and once it’s composted down, open the front plates and scoop out the compost.
11. How cool is it inside compared to outside? The structure reminds me of a small root cellar to store vegetables (potatoes, beets). Fill from top and remove from bottom.
12. Could they be old, depressing dog kennels.
13. How easy is it to get on the top?
14. Composting bins where there are many critters. Why three? Filling one, one composting, one that you are taking composted materials out to put on your garden.
15. That concrete is WAY older than the 80s. I think your sureness about the timeframe is hiding the true answer which is an old coal/coke oven.
16. I lean toward an overengineered composter. Possibly overbuilt to keep critters out of it? It would be fairly easy to dump stuff in the top, the bottom door slides up and out when you are ready to use that section. Reasonable airflow through the gap above the bottom door. 3 sections so that you can fill and empty them sequentially.
17. A dog kennel? Similar to the hunters use in America, they could have made it concrete to protect the dogs from jungle cats?
18. Trash burning.
19. Lime kiln possibly
20. A kind of cellar to keep – grocery and meet cool? Maybe built in a time before electric fridges came up?
21. Pig pens. Got a decrepit old row of 3 of ’em here in France. Built into an old stone wall, away from other houses. Smell/noise, you know. But your theories upthread were most . . . entertaining.
22. In Brazil, at least in the south where can be cold in the winter, they produce Silage for the livestock. Could it be the case that it was used for that?
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
When I first moved into my new home, one of the most intriguing discoveries in my garden was an unusual cinder block structure left behind by the previous owner. This structure, with its robust and somewhat cryptic design, consists of three separate chambers. Each chamber has a lid on top and access gates at the front, prompting my curiosity and a bit of speculation about its original purpose.
Initial Impressions
At first glance, the structure appears solid and functional, built with careful attention to detail. The cinder blocks are neatly stacked, forming three distinct compartments. The lids on the top are heavy and secure, suggesting that whatever was intended to be stored inside required protection from the elements or perhaps from animals. The front access gates are equally well-constructed, allowing for easy entry into each chamber.
Possible Uses
Composting Bins: One of the most plausible uses for this structure is composting. The three separate chambers could have been designed for different stages of composting organic matter. The lids would help contain odors and deter pests, while the front gates would facilitate the turning and removal of compost.
Cold Storage: Another possibility is that the structure was used for cold storage. The thick cinder blocks would provide insulation, making it ideal for storing root vegetables or other produce that benefit from a cool, dark environment.
Animal Housing: The design could also be suitable for housing small animals or poultry. The compartments might have been used as coops or pens, with the lids offering protection from predators and the elements.
Rainwater Harvesting: With some modifications, the structure might have been part of a rainwater harvesting system. The chambers could have served as reservoirs for collected rainwater, with the lids preventing contamination.
Investigating the History
To uncover the true purpose of the cinder block structure, I decided to dig a bit deeper into the history of the property and its previous owners. I contacted the local historical society and searched through old property records. I also reached out to neighbors who had lived in the area for many years. Through these efforts, I learned that the previous owner was an avid gardener with a keen interest in sustainable living practices.
Personal Adaptation
While the exact original use of the structure remains somewhat ambiguous, I have decided to repurpose it to suit my own gardening needs. The sturdy construction makes it perfect for a multi-chamber composting system, which will be a valuable addition to my garden. I plan to use one chamber for fresh composting materials, another for compost that is in the process of breaking down, and the third for finished compost ready to be used in my garden beds.
Conclusion
The cinder block structure in my garden stands as a testament to the ingenuity and practicality of its previous owner. While its original purpose might be open to interpretation, it offers endless possibilities for reuse and adaptation. Whether for composting, storage, or another creative use, this structure is a valuable asset to my garden and a fascinating piece of the property’s history. As I integrate it into my gardening routine, I am reminded of the importance of resourcefulness and the enduring legacy of those who came before me.
