Program Summary: Renovation of a historic Quonset Hut metal structure into a unique contemporary boutique hotel. Program Statement: The renovation of a circa 1947 historic corrugated metal Quonset Hut structure into a boutique hotel was an opportunity to create a truly unique contemporary space within a very desirable historic neighborhood. Prior to rehabilitation, the building s exterior was deteriorated, but the main bones of the structure were intact and serviceable. After an initial analysis, it was realized that the building, with a structural spacing of 4 on center, could be treated like a loaf of bread. By removing certain slices, natural light could be acquired and used to enhance the living environment. This approach identified a centrally incised courtyard in which the bedrooms surround. The exterior was stripped of its original deteriorated skin and a new wood deck and metal skin were installed. The street facing façade was restored and the windows were designed to emulate the existing original doors. Removing the old lean to roof in the alley and installing a private digitally operated gate, visitors now enter through an open-air side walkway, adjacent to a garden bed with ivy growing up the wall. Designed to be sensitive to neighbors, the building is wrapped by a cinder block wall, helping reduce noise, and the layout encourages guests to relax and socialize in the interior courtyard, rather than in front of the building. The exterior is in keeping with the original intent of the building, yet the interior and courtyard speak to the Mid Century Modern influence and is contemporary with details that reach back to its birth. RR-155.01 Building Area: (sf) 6,620 SF Cost per Square Foot: Withheld at Owner s Request Construction Cost Withheld at Owner s Request Date of Completion: December 2016
RR-155.02 Renovation of a Quonset Hut structure into a boutique hotel has provided contemporary living in a historic neighborhood. BEFORE: This corrugated galvanized Quonset Hut structure was originally used for storage and support space for a small service related business. A Quonset Hut is a lightweight prefabricated steel having a semicircular cross-section.
RR-155.03 This mid-century modern building includes 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and can host up to 12 people. The rooms have a common private courtyard and common kitchen up front. The challenge for the architects was to find a way to take advantage of the 40 x 80 footprint. The footprint included an enclosed 8 wide alley that had at some point been roofed over with a lean to roof structure using similar structural elements.
RR-155.04 The approach of sectioning off the structure into slices and then removing certain slices from the building resulted in identifying a central courtyard in which all en suite bedrooms could be located. Visitors enter the complex through a side walkway. The windows facing the courtyard are aligned with the historic entry doors, and are arranged to emulate the original opening
RR-155.05 The internal courtyard was treated as an outdoor living room, with natural light enhancing the living environment.
RR-155.06 The courtyard was then covered by a canvas awning to create shade and rain protection for the outdoor living area which is cooled by large ceiling and wall mounted oscillating fans.
RR-155.07 The courtyard and alley were paved using concrete pavers, and a pylon was built to create an axis backdrop for a fountain centerpiece.
RR-155.08 The original access was from the alley where the old lean to roof was removed and left open to the exterior. This allowed a private gate with digital access lock to be installed. The building provides secure and private access to the complex. The exterior was stripped of its original deteriorated skin and a new wood deck and metal skin were installed.
RR-155.09 The complex provides 6 bedrooms that have internally accessed bathrooms. The bedrooms surround the courtyard, and the front apartment can be rented separately or can become the home base for all or a portion of the bedroom units that are being rented.
RR-155.10 On the main street side of the courtyard is a two-bedroom, twobath, two-story unit with a kitchen and living room. Bamboo floors and contemporary fixtures play off the structure's Atomic Age lines. The envelope was insulated using spray foam and the interior curved ceilings were sheeted with corrugated metal.
RR-155.11 The building is currently in operation and is rented on a short term basis to individuals and groups who are coming to enjoy the city and the experience. In many cases, the Owners have rented the entire complex to a single group who treat it as their own.
Project Name: Renovations & Additions to the Moon at 631 Desire Street Project Location: New Orleans, LA Owner/Client: 631 Desire, LLC Architect(s) of Record: (names and addresses) Holly & Smith Architects Project Team: Holly & Smith Architects 208 North Cate Street Hammond, LA 70401 Landscape Architect: Photographer(s): (please list which specific slides get credited to each photographer(s) listed). High Tail Photography: Slide 8 (Top & Bottom Right), 9 (All), 10 (All), 11 Marc Lamkin: Slide 2 (After), 5, 6, 7, 8 (Bottom Left) Denise Tullier-Holly: Slide 2 (Before) RR-155.12 Credit Slide Consultants: Structural: Heaslip Engineering Mechanical: Crumb Engineering, LLC Electrical: Creative Engineering Group, LLC Civil: General Contractor: Striker Construction Services, LLC