Quonset Huts and Climate

The simplicity of the Quonset Hut’s designs have allowed it to be successful in many climates. Although there are many different models of the structure, the same principles apply to each: the arc shape and efficient production, transport, assembly and disassembly.

Quonset Huts proved to be well suited to their military lives in tropical climates. The arc shape of the building and the lack of roof overhangs allowed the winds of tropical storms to pass over them without damaging them. The tendency to acquire high temperatures inside the small structures was combated by simply raising the huts off the ground with concrete blocks to encourage airflow beneath the structure. Raising the huts also aided in the case of floods, keeping the floor inside of the hut dry and above water. Unfortunately, the life span of the huts was short after the war ended because flying debris in Typhoons and corrosion from years of heavy tropical rain easily damaged the tin exterior of Quonset Huts.

On the other hand, the building was easily adapted to suit cold climates. The metal ribbing was substituted with wood to discourage the transfer of heat from inside to out. Adding an extra layer of building paper and flooring kept the interior from becoming damp. Because flooding was not an issue, ground could be piled against the sides of the Quonset hut to a height of 3 feet to protect the huts interior from the effect of a distant hit. The corrugated metal roofing was successful in allowing the snow to slide off the structure easily. In Alaska the Quonset hut was performed so well in its climate that many still exist there today.

References:

Decker, Julie, Chris Chiei, Anchorage Association, and Alaska

Forum.Quonset hut. Princeton Architectural Pr, 2005. Print.

"Three types of Steel Buildings." How to Buy a Steel Building. Cyber

Graphics, Inc, Web. 7 Jan 2010.

Quinata, Nicholas. "Quonset Huts." Guampedia. 18/Oct/2009.

Guampedia, Web. 9 Jan 2010. .

Mornement, Adam, and Simon Holloway. Corrugated Iron: Building

on the Frontier. Illustrated. Frances Lincoln ltd, 2007. 124-129. Print.

-Jessie Croll