Quonset buildings date back to prefab military structures. Today, quonset structures are still used for homes, shops, storage and other buildings. They are economical, very wind and snow resistant, and ecofriendly since over 80% of the steel is recycled content. Kelly Hart built a shop/garage/office quonset building that he covered with bags of scoria (volcanic gravel) for insulation. It’s relatively easy to screw/bolt quonset buildings together with a cordless drill.
The main reason for today’s blog post was to showcase the interior of a quonset style home since many people have probably never seen one. As you can see, both the interior and exterior can be quite attractive. Here’s another example from a previous blog post.
Exterior: Steel Master USA
Interior: Houzz.com
Thanks to Leslie for inspiring this blog post.
I’m intrested in half shop and half living area.
I designed and built a garage/shop/office shown at http://dreamgreenhomes.com/plans/carriagehouse.htm This concept could be adapted to living space.
I really want to know more about the cost, how to build and the sizes of the huts.
I need to talk to someone who will help me get started. I am very frustrated as none of the sites I have gone to has an email address i can write to or a phone number I can call.
You might try Steel Master at 1-844-800-6195
Metal Garage Kits: 412.522.4797
Power Bilt Buildings: tel:+18005478335
Sunward Steel: 866-312-7971
Do a Google search and many more will appear.
have 36 lots on the gulf coast that need an in-expensive type application for residential housing–need somebody to help me get started with one or two.I like the look as well as the common sense of the quonset
Quonset hut manufacturers have everything you’d need — design, technical assistance, engineering, delivery, and some may construct them or can refer you to contractors who do.
anybody you would recommend ??
I don’t know anyone personally. Research the companies closest to you, meet with them and follow your instinct.
I would recommend SteelMaster USA if you are still in the market. They have a great commercial team over there that can really make anything happen. Here is the phone number 1-866-738-7720.
I’m still planning a blog post about some of your products, particularly the way you can join units to make different designs.
That’s great! Let me know so that we can link back to you.
I think I’d add a greenhouse along one side for light, solar gain and food production.
A bit o f trivia for you.
The Quonset design was based on the Nissen hut developed by the British during World War I. The British company who held the patent lowered their ownership in name of the war effort during WW II. The original logic of the Nissen hut was it all fit on one truck and could be erected quickly. One of the original designers was a Canadian officer.
I actually like the design of the Nissen hut better. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen_hut
Glad to see you’re still around Cliff. Haven’t heard from you in a long while. That’s an interesting history lesson. One note is modern quonset buildings are usually deeply molded (formed) for increased strength. This dispenses with the need for a separate steel frame. The recesses can be filled with insulation. Also note, many interesting shapes can be obtained like this one that is cutaway on one side for solar gain: https://naturalbuildingblog.siterubix.com/ohome-passive-solar-studies/