How One Alaskan Built A Remote Quonset Cabin Kit

SteelMaster customer Rod E.’s Quonset hut cabin is the perfect place to get some relaxation and recreation in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness for the very reason it was difficult to construct: it was in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

Located about 24 miles from his rural home, the 20’ x 24’ A-Model Quonset hut cabin is so remote that the only way to get there is by boat or snow machine. So everything needed for the building has to be able to fit in a boat or be dragged by a snow machine to the build site.

“We finished the inside really nicely, so that’s our winter and summer retreat,” Rod said. “We go there about every weekend.”

How He Transported & Assembled A Remote Quonset Hut Cabin Kit

To build the shell of the cabin, all Rod needed was to stage the foundation with his son and friends and erect the steel arches. No special tools were required and everything had fit on his boat. This meant oversized equipment or heavy machinery was not an option. Rod knew Quonset huts are comprised of steel arch panels that are easy to stack and transport on his boat and require only a wrench to assemble.

He hauled and cut logs near the property to complete the interior and exterior of the building. Then, he covered the arches in a dark green silicone paint to blend in with the trees surrounding the cabin. The group was able to build the frame of the metal Quonset hut cabin in about a month.

Fast construction was a priority for Rod because he wanted to get the interior space usable and ready for winter as soon as possible.

“It’s been a great experience to have a structure out there that went up quickly. It’s really a really secure cabin. It’s nice to have something we can depend on and be safe and sound.”

Finishing The Cabin Interior 

“I needed the building to go up quick, so it appeared that the building could be put up fairly fast. You get the frame up and you get a shelter to build things inside.”

With the steel arches up and the endwalls in place, Rod’s next challenge was the interior. Rod says he is pleased with his cabin and his overall experience despite how difficult it was to transport what he needed for the interior to the property. With the same limitation of only being able to transport things via boat in the summertime or snow machine in the wintertime, Rod worked with Division Director of National B2C Sales Noah Taylor, who has 20 years of experience with SteelMaster and specializes in Alaska steel buildings on some of those details.

“[It was] perfect–shipping, supplies and all the parts. There’s a little help I needed, so I called and directions were good,” he said. “Noah was really great to work with. You can tell he really appreciates the business there and the product he puts out.”

The sturdy steel arches protect against severe weather and can be insulated for climate control. Rod’s Quonset hut cabin has both spray foam and batten insulation on the inside to help regulate temperature during the harsh winter months and stop condensation.

“It’s been really nice, [the cabin] heats up really fast. We have a wood stove, too,” Rod said.

Rod says his cabin can withstand the elements and any curious woodland creatures as well, so he feels safe putting whatever he likes on the inside.

“I never have to worry about the environment. In that area, there are a lot of bears that break in, so the metal frame was really secure. With [the potential for] porcupine and bear damage, it’s the best way to go.”

Rod’s drone shot of his Quonset hut cabin won first place in our 2019 photo contest!

Click here to see the other winners of our 2019 Photo & Video Contests.