The Quonset Hut design was first developed during WWII. The U.S. Army needed a versatile, multi-use structure that was easy to ship and could be assembled without any special skills or tools. They were shipped as kits that would be put together on site and easily break down for transport to the next location. The huts had a flexible open floor plan that allowed for many different uses and could be adapted over time.
True North is a development of newly constructed huts in Detroit. Designed by LA-based architect Edwin Chan, the units have the structural base of the original Quonset Hut design, but have incorporated some architectural elements to elevate them for modern living. Each Hut is a unique live/work space that provokes the opportunity for each resident to design how they want their space to function.
We photographed The Platform Bed that just moved into Hut #8 at True North. The Platform Bed Frame has many of the same qualities as the original Hut design — ease of shipping, no tools required for assembly & goes with any space — making it the perfect bed frame for Quonset Hut living!
Photography by Ali Lepatina.