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The typical Quonset hut, a steel half-pipe structure, is known more for utility than attractiveness: The U.S. military invented the typology to be shipped and assembled easily. After Portland, Oregon, architecture firm Skylab acquired an industrial lot in the city’s north end, they transformed the two existing Quonset huts at the site into unique office spaces with spine-like skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a reflective scrim on the interiors that maximizes acoustic efficiency. While additional buildings made of cross-laminated timber round out the Skylab HQ complex, the huts are the main attraction — proof that even humble buildings can be made beautiful.

Team: Jeff Kovel, Brent Grubb, Jennifer Martin, Nita Posada, Amy DeVall, Eduardo Peraza Garzon

People’s Choice: Adaptive Re-Use
Skylab HQ

Portland, Oregon, architecture firm Skylab transforms two Quonset huts into the ultimate – and undeniably dazzling – home base.

Explore more Award Winners

2019
Award of MeritAdaptive Re-Use
Location
Tilburg, the Netherlands
Firms
Civic Architects (the Netherlands), Braaksma & Roos Architectenbureau (the Netherlands), Inside Outside (the Netherlands) and Mecanoo (the Netherlands)
2021
Award of MeritAdaptive Re-Use
Location
Chicago, U.S.
Firm
Krueck Sexton Partners, U.S.
2023
People’s ChoiceAdaptive Re-Use
Location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Firm
Studioninedots