From my head on steel garage
These huts consisted of steel building panels that were strong enough to protect troops and supplies from the elements. Unfortunately, the initial Quonset hut design included panels and steel rib frames supported by wooden purlins that prevented effective field use of the buildings as bakeries, showers, dental offices and isolation wards. The design was changed to one with high sidewalls that supported a rounded steel arch roof, which opened up more usable space. This modified design also proved easier to assemble and take down in the field. In fact, military personnel liked Quonset huts so much that many of them purchased surplus huts after the war for their personal housing; even universities purchased them for student housing.