What began as a few backyard sculptures has grown into one of the most unusual landmarks in Austin, Texas: a 35-foot-tall "Cathedral of Junk" made from old tires, crutches, shopping carts, glass bottles, and other discarded materials.
Artist and homeowner Vince Hannemann has been building the structure since 1988, transforming roughly 60 tons of castoff objects into the sprawling attraction.
Here's what to know
According to The Independent, Hannemann began the project in his mid-20s more or less on impulse, adding to it bit by bit over decades. It includes three levels, a network of staircases, cement walls studded with bottles, and a small seating spot near the top.
In Hannemann's words, it "doesn't necessarily make any kind of linear sense."
Describing the ever-changing materials in the sculpture, he told The Independent: "Skis, crutches — I think I've got enough shopping carts finally."
Much of the Cathedral's contents come from people who stop by with things they no longer want, including old trophies.
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More background
Hannemann said his impulse to make sculptures outdoors dates back to childhood. He also spent a short time studying architecture in college but found it was "way too structured" for him, a contrast that fits the Cathedral's loose, improvised form.
By the early 1990s, the site was starting to attract attention. In 2008, Hannemann became a full-time artist after a Bank of America ad featuring the sculpture brought him a year of residuals.
A neighbor's complaint led Austin officials to tell Hannemann in 2010 that he needed a building permit. He said the reception has changed since then, pointing out that his neighborhood association has hosted its annual party there.
Admission is free, but Hannemann accepts both cash contributions and donated objects to help keep the attraction going. He does not hold regular public hours, so visitors should call first.
"I just did it because I liked it. And when I stop liking it, I'll take it down," Hannemann remarked. "I've been building sculptures in the backyard ever since I was a kid, so it's just kind of what I like to do."
Where can I learn more?
Discarded materials are constantly being turned into artwork and building products. People have created everything from DIY bottle bricks and handmade sculptures to experimental techniques that give waste a new life.
• A homeowner discovered an ingenious way to create bottle bricks from plastic waste.
• In Hong Kong, a woodworker began turning construction waste into handmade sculptures.
• Designers are transforming costly invasive species and forestry waste into experimental building panels.
• Designers created marble-like building material from discarded car plastics.
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