Quonset Huts Then and Now
View PDF | Print View
by: fredthompson
Total views: 0
Word Count: 408
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 Time: 4:20 PM
0 comments
Quonset huts are a kind of prefabricated steel building, known for their arched shape, first used by the military during World War II. The place where they originated, Quonset Point, has been immortalized in their name. Then, as now, they were built using corrugated steel. The huts were light weight, economical, and needed no skilled labor to be assembled.
Nowadays, the Quonset hut is common place in private settings. During Americas post war era, the military sold many left over Quonset huts to the public for a thousand dollars per building. Since then, the huts have become common place. The design has changed some over the years, such as the introduction of walls that are shaped to stand at a ninety degree angel to allow for optimal storage space, steel fronts and backs instead of the original plywood, and a variety of colors. Yet the roofs remain rounded, so they have the same easy maintenance as always.No worries about cleaning off or repair the roof!
Who uses Quonset huts? Quonset huts are found on farms, businesses, and in other places. Their popularity is due to their simple arch construction. Because of this, all the Quonset hut needs is a roof and two walls. Less parts equals cheaper construction. Putting them together is a snap, too. No professional builders are needed, though some companies provide the service if wanted.
How are Quonset huts used? They are often used to store boats, RVs, tractors, and trucks. These huts also make excellent shops for small businesses who dont want the high overhead of a more traditional building. Hobbyists who have the room can also build their own shops for things like pottery and ceramics, furniture reupholstery, car repair, photography dark rooms, and so on. Quonset huts are as well a no brainer for agriculture and can be seen on farms across America. Perhaps most interestingly, though hardly surprising, some individuals have taken Quonset huts one step further and actually lived in them. This phenomenon is modern as well as historical. A model for domestic use, created by the Great Lakes Steel Corporation that took over Quonset hut manufacture in 1943, was introduced in 1946, featuring windows on the arch and a little bit of white picket fencing. Recently, as a way to live more green, a few inventive types have even used Quonset huts as "shells" for their underground homes, which need hardly any energy to heat or cool.
About the Author
For more related to metal building manufacturer, browse to www.powerbiltbuildings.com.
Rating: Not yet rated
