Quonset Huts: More Than Utility Structures
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by: fredthompson
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Word Count: 487
Manmade housing designs have always been ruled by requirement and functionality, and special needs call for extraordinary structures, the Quonset huts. First conceived during World War I, these corrugated temporary units are built from galvanized metal. Quonset huts served as temporary shelters not only for the American military itself but were also adapted to house the postwar population explosion. Post World War II saw Quonset huts being custom built by several companies some of which adapted the original design while others continued to use the old arched shape. Regardless of the fact that the original Quonset hut was built during the catastrophic times of war they have hence resurfaced as the modern symbol of an American design innovation.
While the initial Quonset hut model was devised from the Nissen hut of British origin, they have seen a marked transformation into utility structures that provide flexible interior decoration options. One of the significant influences of the original Quonset huts was the arch roofed storehouse units that utilized lightweight metals such as Aluminum. Other structures also emerged including the Weather Port units that retained some of the features of the Jamesway hut. Quonset huts have also shaped other patented housing models including the Pacific hut and the Portaseal hut units. Quonset huts find application both as residential structures as also for commercial purposes. Several versions of the original Quonset hut have installed with wooden ribbing and insulated fabric that allows even usage under the extreme arctic conditions. Many of these temporary structures found usage during operations that were carried out under strong weather, and they came with practical add ons such as fiber glass insulated interiors and fire resistant muslin as well as insulated blankets for added protection.
Serving as unique housing, Quonset huts provide the best use of available space and are also eco friendly since they can exploit indigenous material without compromising on modernity and functionality. Well known residences that adopted the design include the Daniel House in Tennessee which was uniquely built by incorporating salvaged Quonset hut support units. The lightweight feature of the Quonset hut is valuable since it means savings in terms of shipping and effortless construction. Aside from their lightweight features these are easily transported and assembled as needed, making them the ideal option for large scale temporary housing that is as resilient as it is inexpensive. Undeniably the Quonsets have lent their distinctive structural traits to everything from residential and commercial complexes to even places of worship. In essence Quonset huts have been nothing short of an architectural phenomenon of sorts making the journey from being utility buildings to a design breakthrough. The Quonset hut has made quite a remarkable journey from being mere shelters to the meeting of functionality with modernity and imagination.
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