The shelter with a simple construction is built up in a mountainous region using raw materials of the region, and provides a good temperature through natural cooling and natural ventilation.

The design of John Grable Architects provides an arched structure that enables the creation of large spans, creating an open and flexible space. The alternation of materials ensures light entrance during the day as well as light emission during the night.
 

Description of the project by John Grable Architects

Located deep into the rugged hill country, this agrarian structure was erected to serve as a storage shed for ranch and construction equipment. Keeping in mind the function, remote location and availability of skilled labor, the Quonset hut was used as inspiration due to is flexible interior space and simple construction techniques.

In an effort to utilize the simple materials available to the area, trusses were constructed using recycled oil field pipe which also paid homage to owner's legacy within the oil industry. The low arching long free spans of the trusses allowed for maximum storage capacity while maintaining an unobtrusive building height consistent with the drought stricken mesquite landscape of the Texas Hill country.
A simple material palette of alternating bands of corrugated metal and translucent fiberglass panels was inspired by local ranch horizontal fence lines. These panels provide consistent glare-free light penetration into the 18,30 m wide by 36,60 m long structure during the day and act as a soft light emitting lantern at night.

The overhangs at each end of the building create beautiful daylight shadows and recall the crescent moon on the starlit back drop by night. The cupola roof and insulated ceiling allows for natural ventilation and cooling, providing a low temperature work environment consistent with the prevailing breeze and shade environments afforded by the trees and workers sombrilla hat.

- Flexible, 60’ x 120’ open-plan interior
- Recycled oil field pipe trusses provide interior clear span and exterior door rake-end overhang
- Alternating bands of corrugated metal and translucent fiberglass panels animate natural light
- ‘Quonset Hut’ Structure provides unobtrusive exterior building height and generous interior clearances

 

 

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John Grable, faia.- John Grable Architects
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John Grable's award-winning work is inspired by his intimate relationship with the environment, which stems from his love and respect for the land and a keen understanding of how buildings can gently co-exist with nature. After 18 years as a project manager and partner at Lake|Flato Architects, John returned to his roots in 2004 and founded John Grable Architects, where his more than 30 years of experience as a designer, builder, developer and teacher converge.

American Institute of Architects Service
    Chair, Texas Society of Architects Fellowship Committee, 2008
    Co-Chair, AIA San Antonio Design Awards Committee, 2000-2006
Education Service
    2012 - Texas Tech University - Visiting Professor
    2011 - Washington University in St. Louis - Juror for Wendell Burnette's Studio
    2007 - 2010 University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture - Advisory Council Member
    2005 - University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Graduate Studio - Adjunct Professor
    2004 - UTSA Lake|Flato Graduate Design Studio - Co Founder
    1998 - UTSA Lake|Flato Senior Studio - Studio Professor
    1998 - UTSA School of Architecture - Juror
    1997 - Texas A&M University - Guest Lecturer
Civic
    2010 - Design Guidelines Committee, City of Alamo Heights
    2006 - Design Guidelines Committee, City of Alamo Heights
    2001 - 2006 Traffic Planning Oversight Committee, City of Alamo Heights
    1999 - Present Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Volunteer, Site and Trail Development
    1997 - 2013 Planning & Zoning Commission, City of Alamo Heights

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