Quonset Hut History: From The Roman Arch To World War II & Beyond

An arch building can technically be made out of almost any material, but for strength, longevity, and low maintenance, Quonset huts are exclusively made out of steel. While tin and aluminum can work to provide cover for a building, they do not stand up to the rigors of weather or natural disasters, or in the U.S. Navy’s case, war. Steel also allows for Quonset huts to be virtually indestructible with SteelMaster Quonset huts getting HVHZ approval for hurricane zones.

Due to Quonset Huts being made out of steel coated with anti-corrosive agents and their inherent structural strength, they can last a lifetime. Further, their disaster-resistant design allows them to withstand punishing weather that would destroy a standard building. SteelMaster so believes in Quonset hut’s long-lasting strength that it offers customers a 40-year warranty on all Quonsets sold.

Quonset huts have continued to improve since their inception. For example, upgrades in building materials, such as advancements in steel production and anti-corrosive coatings, have increased the durability. SteelMaster Quonset huts are also now produced with 100 percent recycled steel, so Quonset huts have become an environmentally friendly choice for buildings.

The Navy found many advantages when they used Quonset huts, like flexibility, portability, and durability. SteelMaster took this design from the 1970s, combined the architectural strength of the arch with modern technology, and made structures strong enough to support the heaviest snow loads and able to survive the strongest winds, even a category 4 hurricane!

When you compare a Quonset hut to a traditional building, the advantages of a Quonset hut become clear. Cost, ease of construction, customizability, and durability are all better with a Quonset.

Further, because Quonset huts are versatile, they can be used in any application. Garages, workshops, warehouses, storage, and even homes, can be created with a Quonset hut. Add to all this that they are environmentally friendly by using recycled steel, and Quonset huts are expected to be even more popular in the years to come.

For thousands of years, builders have used different types of arches in architecture to create some of the most spectacular structures on earth. Now SteelMaster’s modern arch panel system is being used by designers to create structures that are just as aesthetically pleasing and timeless.

Curved-style buildings have been changing the landscape of areas all around the globe. Architects have been utilizing the inherent advantages of barrel vaults, exposed architecture, archways, segmental arches, curved beams, Tudor arches, and Quonset Huts themselves to enhance the utility and looks of their designs.

The first to take full advantage of the arch were the Romans. During this time, builders constructed buildings based more on the vernacular architecture of the era. Roman building design relied on tradition and community knowledge rather than on the skills of one particular specialist.

Many structures that were based on vernacular architecture in other cultures were created with materials that could not survive long periods of time, but the Romans created most of their buildings from concrete. They combined mortar with an aggregate like brick to make the concrete that created the buildings that have stood for thousands of years.

There are several theories that dictate exactly what earns a building the stamp of approval from the architectural world. One of these theories is called the Seven Lamps of Architecture created by art critic and theorist John Ruskin. The Seven Lamps of Architecture theory uses sacrifice, truth, power, beauty, life, memory, and obedience to determine which structures are worthy to be placed in the “good architecture” category.

This theory has been demonstrated through some of the modern Quonset Hut designs of today. Architects have used steel in conjunction with other building materials to create curved roof structures that have wowed onlookers and other designers. Using mixed materials allows them the ability to create a building that showcases the aesthetics of architecture while also ensuring the building is strong enough to endure just about anything.

Classic Quonset Huts were used by the military during WWII for soldiers who needed quick, easy-to-build shelters that could be transported to other locations. They were also used as agricultural buildings and industrial construction. Over the years, SteelMaster has taken this design and opened up endless possibilities to designers who wish to create award-winning structures that will redefine modern architecture.

Both modern and traditional semicircular arch construction allows architects to meet the criteria from both theories. Even the simplest SteelMaster design easily meets these demands. Our modernized curved panel system takes the classic style of a structure that was created for the Military, and now it is being used in a variety of creative ways by some of the world’s most talented architects.