If you had a Quonset hut...

And you could do whatever you wanted with it, what would YOU do with it?  I sstarted thinking about it after flipping through my copy of Lloyd Kahn's "Small Homes".  

This is more or less a play-along-with-me exercise.  I had never considered anything other than the most basic utilitarian uses.

I actually DO have a Qhut.  It's around 2000 square feet on the floor and, IDK, maybe, what?  15' or more at the apex of the arch.  Has a poured concrete pad

One long side has SW exposure.  Sits on the ridge of a hill.  Located in central Massachusetts.

No idea how old it is.  It's in better shape than the late 70s cattle barn.  It would need to be sealed before being used for anything other than storage (which is current use).  

Possible uses for me:

cool lodging for students, WWOOFers,  guests, etc
Gathering space for all sorts of events (permaculture classes/courses, Yoga classes, art classes/events, foodie events...)
A workshop
A barn

Just dream along here.  How would YOU use it if it could be anything?  How would you finish the outside?  How about the inside?  What kinds of cool natural building techniques could be used to finish the building and make it neutral or even regenerative?  How many of Holmgren's principles could you hit with the design and how?

Maybe you've already done one out all fancy-like.  Can you share photos?

I'm still thinking and leaning toward a combined use integrating gathering space and lodging space.  All completely off grid.  And see if I can utilise that solar aspect for heat and maybe food production/season extension. The building's unique shape suggests - to me - a hobbit hole or a GIANT's vardo.

Anyway, thought maybe some of you would have some fun imagining along with me.

:)

Oh!  Found this cool thread to get us started:

https://permies.com/t/64692/Berming-Quonset-earthship

And here's a link to a teaser article about the house in the book:

https://blog.shelterpub.com/small-homes-book-sneak-preview-25-solar-powered-quonset-hut-home-northern-california/

If I had a quonset hut, 2000 square feet, on my property, I would be doing a  big fat happy dance! A dry, protected space like that would make everything so much easier.

If you had a Quonset hut..

My not very exciting answer: If it was well-situated for it, I'd store my tools and park my vehicles in it.

Christopher Weeks wrote:My not very exciting answer: If it was well-situated for it, I'd store my tools and park my vehicles in it.

It's pretty much used to store tools and building materials right now. :). It's a fine use.  

Anne Miller wrote:If you had a Quonset hut..

That's really neat, huh?  I wonder what it might look like if one kept curvilinear lines inside rather than sharp, square angles?  

Curvilinear lines would make something more interesting.

The reason I thought of the house is that I had relatives who liven in Quonset huts right after WWII.  I am assuming the army no longer needed them and service men returning from overseas needed places for their families.

I am thinking these were not as nice as that video.

Wow, 2000 square feet. And you're inviting me to daydream??

- Wood shop
- Finish it as an ADU (to AirBnB perhaps, or maybe convince my aging in-laws to move into, and then enjoy the free babysitting)
- Music studio
- Garage/shed

And best of all, I could break it down and reassemble out west when I move there in 15 years, so it can serve as a temporary dwelling while I build my dream home, and then later as a garage/shop or ADU (or both).