Just like our steel arch buildings, many of the wonderful things that we know of and use on an everyday basis arose from humble beginnings. Garages originated from carriage houses used to keep horses. Today, they’re modern workshops and hide-a-ways for the common homeowner. Attics and basements were usually used for utilities, storage, or otherwise forgotten about. Now they’re often finished and furnished with technology and amenities to use as extra living space.
What Were They?
When you think of military field buildings or barracks, you’ve probably imagining a steel arch building already. These are some of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world due to their extensive use in war. From field hospitals to administration to strategy and planning, these steel arch buildings provided reliable infrastructure on the battlefield that helped prioritize war over accommodations.
Rather than steel arch building, most people probably know them by their more common name: a quonset hut. Developed in the US, these were lightweight prefabricated metal structures that were incredibly strong and versatile. The quonset hut, named for the site where they were first manufactured, was actually based on another nearly-identical shelter known as the Nissen hut. Both designs of these steel arch buildings prioritized cost, material use, and ease of deployment. Hundreds of thousands of these structures were manufactured during WWII. Surplus buildings were sold to the public, which helped lead to the widespread use of these durable buildings for home, garages, workshops, offices, and more.
Humble Beginnings
During the beginning of WWII, the United States needed all-purpose, lightweight buildings that could be shipped anywhere and assembled without skilled labor. The quonset hut was deemed the most feasible, with more than 150,000 being produced during WWII. A number of different sizes and variations were produced, including warehouse models. The most common was a model featuring 720 square-feet of usable space, measuring 20′ x 48′ with a 10′ ceiling. The flexible and open interior space allowed for endless possibilities in each building – from barracks, hospitals, latrines, and offices to isolation wards, bakeries, and theatres. Although the materials have varied (different types of steel have been used (galvanized, etc.); aluminum and other metals have been used when steel in scarce; quonset huts in the Pacific-theatre during WWII employed pressed wood boards) these structures have proven to be an efficient and affordable solution for any building or storage issue.
Steel Arch Buildings
There are still a number of quonset huts in use across the world. From a military base in Hawaii to Quonset Village at Michigan State University, these strong and versatile structures have made an impression on the construction and building industry that is unlikely to fade.
Here at Arch Buildings, we carry on the tradition of simple, affordable, and durable steel arch buildings. From our massive warehouse models to single-car garages, our steel arch buildings are perfect for any home or business. Exceptionally strong and well-finished, our shelters provide a professional feel to your property with the strength that will help it last for generations. For more information on our buildings, or to start designing your own, explore our website and call us today.
