Kiln Furnace and Barrel Vaults

Building 36.

Designed by David Roberts Senior, Gooderham & Worts' 1863 - 64 Malt Kilns building is intimately related in form and function to the adjoining Malt House (Building 35). Originally three storeys high, the roof of the Kilns Building was raised and other changes made between 1877 and 1884. Today, the Kilns Building is a four-and-a half storey, hipped-roof, lantern-topped, red-brick box set on a rusticated limestone base. The function of the elaborately detailed square lantern appears to have been decorative. The north Mill Street elevation, where visitors will find the entrance to the kiln cellar, consists of seven piers and six recessed panels extending from a limestone base to Roberts' trademark archaded corbels topping each panel.

Doors Open Toronto 2008 Info:

While the exterior and part of the interior of the Kiln Building can be admired on a daily basis, Doors Open provides an opportunity for visitors to get a rare glimpse of both a late-nineteenth century kiln furnace and an intriguing barrel-vaulted corridor. The decoratively functional brick kiln furnace contains two fire boxes manufactured by Fred W. Wolf of Chicago and was used to heat the "green malt" (germinated barley) essential to making alcohol from grain. The concrete floor is another common industrial feature. Also opened for the event is one of five barrel-vaulted corridors and extra storage space. Here the floor is rubble, the brick arches spring from a limestone base, and the atmosphere is spooky.

From: wx.toronto.ca/inter/culture/doorsopen2008.nsf/BuildingsAl...