Search AZ Awards ...
Awards By Category

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

2022
Award of MeritAdaptive Re-Use
Location
Toronto, Canada
Firm
Diamond Schmitt, Canada
2024
People’s ChoiceAdaptive Re-Use
Location
Nanyang, China
Firm
YFS, China
2020
Award of MeritAdaptive Re-Use
Location
Chicago, U.S.
Firms
Valerio Dewalt Train (U.S.) with FGM Architects (U.S.)