Quonset Huts: More Than Utility Structures
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by: fredthompson
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When it comes to architectural designs, the primary criteria have always been practicality and utility, and an answer to very specific needs comes in the form of these unusual buildings, the Quonset huts. Built during the trying times of World War I, Quonset huts are basically prefabricated metal housing made of galvanized steel. Quonset huts served as temporary shelters not only for the American military itself but were also adapted to house the postwar population explosion. When World War II ended Quonset huts stayed and were even tailor made by a handful of construction units, and several adaptations to the initial outlay say the light of day in addition to the conventional arched structure. Despite the tragic times of its conception, the Quonset hut has emerged as an astonishing icon of the American architectural industry.
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. Modifications to the Quonset hut have also resulted in other trademarked structures such as the Portaseal hut and the Pacific hut. Quonset huts find application both as residential structures as also for commercial purposes. Versions of the initial Quonset hut have utilized insulated areas with wooden spines to counter the biting cold of the arctic. 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.
Quonset huts make innovative residences since they allow usage of indigenous material while still exhibiting a modern and functional aura to the interior and provide optimal usage of available space. Famous homes that implemented the Quonset hut model include Daniel House in Tennessee which is built into the hillside using salvaged material from supports of earlier huts. 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. Quonset huts are certainly the prime models when it comes to distinctive architectural ideas and much have been incorporated, from traditional housing and business complexes to even places of worship. Quonset huts are undoubtedly an architectural phenomena that have gone from being mere utility housing to a design innovation. Quonset hut has indeed traversed the path of being mere provisional shelters built enmasse to its heightened status as an icon of innovation, functionality and uniqueness.
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