Whether you call it a Nissen Hut, Daniel House or Cowin Hut, their curved metal structure has become a familiar site all around the world.
Other regional name variations include Romney huts, Jamesway huts, T-Rib Quonset huts or Stran-Steel huts. In the US we mostly know them as Quonset Huts.
The main things that these lightweight prefabricated structures of corrugated galvanized steel have in common is a semi-circular cross-section.
Why are they called Quonset? The name comes from the site of their first deployment – Quonset Point at Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Centre, Rhode Island.
The first Quonset huts were manufactured in America in 1941 during World War II. The design was an advance on the Nissen hut introduced by the British during World War I.
The US Navy had decided to create a lightweight all-purpose building that was able to be quickly shipped anywhere in the world. It could be assembled easily, without any skilled labour.
The war effort needed plenty of these units. Up to 170,000 Quonset huts were built here during World War II.
Afterwards any American surplus huts were sold publicly. You’ll see many historical Quonset huts remain standing throughout the United States to this day, serving as outbuildings, businesses or homes.
Many Quonsets were also used around the US as temporary post-war housing.
Some are still in use at military bases or as emergency accommodation. They even feature at military museums among World War II memorabilia.
But did you know you are able to buy one of these historic designs brand new?
It’s a chance to own a classic Quonset arched steel building – and use a design that is still renowned for its amazing strength and versatility.
The best versions now feature the latest steel technology that can withstand natural disasters while also being eco-friendly. Among industry insiders, Quonsets are considered to be one of the most durable, easy to construct and affordable building options.
The best of the modern versions of the Quonset can be used for many different applications – from a simple backyard tool shed to a massive, climate-controlled factory. Whatever the style, size or design, Quonsets are generally considered the best-value prefab metal buildings on the market.
The modular steel structures are still very simple to construct. They can be erected by a small unskilled team within a few days.
When choosing to buy a modern Quonset model, note that the main things for considerations are the required shape and size of the building – and your area’s building code and load requirements.
You’ll find that a Quonset hut from leading manufacturers that will offer an attractive specification at an affordable price.
These buildings come with a special eco-friendly coating making them virtually maintenance free. There are no internal beams or trusses, interior space is completely unobstructed.
The brand’s pre-cut panels of course feature fittings which require only one size nut and bolt. Panels are made from strong 22-gauge steel.
That’s why a Quonset is resistant against natural disasters, like tornadoes, hurricanes, fire, earthquakes, and heavy wind/snow.
The exemplify all the advantages war-time Quonsets were known for. They are easy to assemble or disassemble, last as long as you need and are fully expandable when required.
A classic Quonset with arched roof and walls is most popular for homes, while an S-Model with straight walls and rounded roofline is the choice for workshops, with the option of creating a second floor or mezzanine inside.
There are various other styles to choose from, including the X-Model with a pitched roof that is the best choice for extreme climates or severe storms. No matter where you live, this style of building will be a secure haven.
The Quonset is still a unique chance to buy into a piece of structural history – while also offering one of the best modern building units available for homes or businesses.