Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
For those of us that are handy with fixing things around the house, building an outdoor structure like a porch or a shed might seem pretty simple - but there are reasons why you should consult a professional when you are considering a build.
The Role of Structural Engineers and Architects
Structural engineers and architects are the best people to consult with if you want a structure made from bricks or wood, because they understand the various structural considerations that need to be made.
These include:
- The Site: What type of soil do you have, is there a slope to consider, and what is the drainage like?
- Load: What are you going to use the structure for, what does it need to bear in terms of things like furniture and occupants as well as the weight of the structure itself?
- Materials: Aesthetics are just one consideration here, as the material chosen needs to be durable, suitable for the climate and able to cope with exposure to the elements, as well as being easy to maintain.
- Connections: How is the structure held together? What sort of fastenings are most suitable, what brackets are useful, and what anchors are needed?
- Ventilation: While a structure is likely to require water tightness, it needs to be ventilated for comfort and safety.
- Water and Utilities: Sheds purely for storage might not need incoming utilities, but even the most basic outdoor structure is likely to need at least an electrical connection.
A Quonset Hut is the Answer
With the above list of considerations in mind, there are many reasons that choosing a metal arched building like a Quonset Hut can negate the need for a structural engineer.
- Site: The Quonset Hut is positioned on a concrete footing, where the main requirement is that it is level - so there is less need for site inspections.
- Load: The arched shape of the Quonset Hut makes load-bearing simple. The bigger Quonset Huts are strong enough to take the load of being a complete, self-contained house, often including two floors.
- Materials: Made from corrugated galvanized steel, Quonset Huts are durable and suitable for almost all climates, tested against the most extreme weather conditions (including strong winds, fire, snow, and even earthquakes. The steel is lightweight and easy to transport.
- Connections: Quonset Huts are prefabricated. This means that the arch structures only need putting together like a puzzle then raised into position, and the connections are made using bolts - which can be tightened using hand tools and a pneumatic drill.
- Ventilation: Depending on the use you have chosen for your Quonset Hut, ventilation options are built into the design so that you can be sure it remains watertight but allows the free flow of air where needed.
- Utilities/Water: Many Quonset Hut owners will have chosen this structure style to offer more living or working space, which means that at the design stage the necessary utilities will have been specified and accounted for. All you need to do is connect them.
Safety First
While a structural engineer would be needed to ensure the safety of other structures, with a Quonset Hut all the tests have been done to ensure that it can stand up to all sorts of different extreme weather scenarios.
For example, traditional straight-walled buildings are vulnerable to winds and to earthquakes.
Winds can get in between the walls and the roof, while in an earthquake the floor and walls can move while the roof remains in place through inertia.
In both of these situations, the arched shape of the Quonset Hut prevents this from being an issue.
The layered construction prevents wind from being able to infiltrate, while tremors will cause the whole building to move as one.
They are also able to cope with the heaviest snow loads, are rated as fire-resistant and non-combustible, and can even withstand impact.
Understanding the engineering of a structure can help you make the best decisions about how to incorporate something new in your property.
Conclusion
While it's tempting to tackle outdoor construction projects on your own, consulting a professional ensures long-term safety, durability, and compliance with local building codes.
However, if you're looking for a simplified yet robust solution, the Quonset Hut offers a pre-engineered alternative that’s designed to meet many of the structural challenges head-on.
From ease of installation to resistance against extreme weather, Quonset Huts combine practical engineering with versatility, making them a smart option for modern homeowners and DIY builders alike.
