Andy Bassich and Denise Becker live on a remote stretch of the Yukon River in Alaska, over an hour from the nearest community of Eagle. Known to viewers of Life Below Zero, they handle off-grid living every day, including building a secure, durable workshop for their homestead.

Life Below Zero differentiates itself from other reality survival shows by treating remoteness as the central antagonist rather than just a backdrop. The series follows subsistence residents living in the “dead zones” of the Alaskan bush, often hundreds of miles from the nearest road, doctor, or grocery store.

The narrative tension relies entirely on the lack of a safety net. For example, a broken snowmobile part or a missed shot during a hunt is not just an inconvenience; it can be a life-threatening crisis because help is inaccessible. The show emphasizes that in isolation, time and resources are finite, and the cast must solve complex mechanical and physiological problems entirely on their own to survive the winter.

Andy’s Remote Building (& Bear-Proofing) Needs

Being located in the remote wilderness of Alaska, with the closest town of Eagle being an hour away, the list of buildings that would work was short.

For Andy, the building had to meet three key needs:

• Easy transportation: The entire building kit needed to ship in a compact load that he could move onto his property without special equipment or oversized-hauling restrictions.
• Manageable assembly with his own equipment: He wanted something he could put together using what he already had on-site, rather than renting lifts or bringing in a full crew.
• Bear-proof security: The structure had to stand up to wildlife pressure, so durable steel and a fully enclosed design gave him confidence that his gear would stay protected.

After researching different types of buildings, Andy determined that a Quonset hut checked all of these boxes.

“The ability to transport it on boats, on pallets that were sizes that I could operate with the equipment I had, and then the fact that it would be a really secure bear-proof building in the end were the main things that had to fit my criteria.”

Assembling Their Remote Home Storage

Andy started the assembly on his own. “The first three arches I put up basically took two days,” he said. He later had a friend help him with the remaining sixteen arches, which also went up in just two days.

Denise helped keep the process organized and held the nuts and bolts while Andy tightened them.

“Everything fit perfectly, and we quickly found a rhythm,” Denise said.

“There were no glitches. It was just a matter of being very mechanical, methodical, going up, moving the ladder, climbing, and coming back down to the next one.”

Once the arches were in place, Andy says putting up the end walls was fast. “There was a bit of a learning curve, but once I figured that out, putting up the endwalls was super quick and easy,” Andy said.

A Durable Solution for Off-Grid Living

Now complete, the building provides the secure, practical storage they needed in the Alaskan wilderness.

Even after 10 inches of snow covered the structure, it is holding up perfectly and protecting the tractor that they’ve stored inside. Andy plans to insulate the building in the spring for temperature control.

“All in all, I’ve been really happy with the product.”

For anyone taking on off-grid construction in Alaska, steel Quonset huts offer a reliable, easy-to-assemble solution even in the most remote locations.

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A Family Built on Service

Tara’s story of service starts with her grandfather, who served in the Air Force for five years.

Her brother-in-law has spent nearly two decades in the Navy, currently stationed in Seattle aboard a submarine. Her father spent 23 years in the Navy, also on submarines, before transitioning into a second career in education.

“[My father] didn’t grow up in a great situation,” Tara said. “There were 17 kids in one house, below the poverty line, and he knew the only way to create a better life was to get out. The military gave him a way forward.”

Tara’s family has lived all over due to military life, and while distance has created some challenges, especially with her brother-in-law now on the West Coast, she says the shared experience helps them all stay connected.

“We just get it. We understand that life because we lived it.”

Showing Up with Intention

Tara credits her father’s presence and discipline as a major influence in her life.

“I remember him being gone, but I never felt like he was absent. When he was home, he was really home. He never missed a band concert, football game, or piano lesson. He was always present when he could be.”

She also mentioned how those values shaped the way she and her siblings show up in the world. “We’re respectful, we’re polite, and we’re always on time. If I need to be somewhere at nine, I’ll be there by eight-thirty. That’s definitely a military thing.”

A SteelMaster Building with Personal Meaning

When Tara started at SteelMaster, she was in residential sales. One month when sales were slow, her dad decided it was time to buy a building–and he bought it from her!

“My parents had just put a house on a piece of property in North Carolina, on the lake,” she explained. “Originally, they weren’t going to build a garage, but my mom said, ‘You need something, because I’m not letting all your gear clutter up my new house.’”

That is when her dad chose a SteelMaster.

“[My dad] loves how sturdy [his building] is and how it looks. He has come across Quonset huts during his time in the Navy, so I think it reminds him of that. Now it’s his space for all the gear, fishing stuff, tools, mower, whatever doesn’t belong in the house. It is probably like one big outdoor junk drawer, but it’s his, and he loves it.”

Service That Comes Full Circle

Tara believes strongly in the importance of recognizing service, not just of veterans, but of military families.

“Quonset huts originated in the military, so there is already a connection. But beyond that, [SteelMaster’s headquarters is] located in one of the largest military hubs in the country. A lot of our customers have served, and this kind of recognition makes our company more relatable. They want to buy from people who understand them.”

That shared understanding often leads to more meaningful conversations.

“Sometimes that personal connection is the reason a customer chooses us. It is not just a sales pitch. It is real. I talk to people from all over who say, ‘Oh yeah, I remember those buildings. I used to sleep in one.’ And now they get to own one. That is special.”

Tara says she would not even be working at SteelMaster if it weren’t for her dad’s military path. “Everything about my life is shaped by his service. It brought him the opportunity to grow, which gave my siblings and me the life we have. I feel proud of the work I do here. It all connects.”

Click here for more SteelMaster Stories of Service.

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As a data entry specialist at SteelMaster Buildings, Hannah Lissberger spends her days helping keep things running behind the scenes. But outside of work, she also holds another title: military spouse.

Her husband has served in the Navy for 12 years and is now part of the engineering department aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford. With his next deployment approaching, Hannah is preparing for another stretch of time apart. This will be their third deployment together, but the first one on a ship.

“You really can’t be a creature of habit when you’re with someone in the military. It’s gotten me out of my box a little bit.”

Learning to Adapt

From cross-country moves to figuring out how to handle a car breakdown alone in a new city, Hannah has learned to navigate the unexpected with resilience. Originally from a small town in New York, she found herself in San Diego early in her husband’s career without knowing a single person there.

“I really had to figure things out by myself, but I’m proud of that. It’s made me stronger.”

Over time, independence and adaptability have become cornerstones of her life. From managing a household and two dogs to sending care packages and weekly email updates while her husband is away, Hannah says building a solid routine and having a support system are key.

“You need to have your own community. Having your own routine and people to lean on makes a huge difference.”

Finding Support at SteelMaster

That sense of community is one of the reasons Hannah says she’s grateful to be at SteelMaster. She has connected with other military spouses at work and found encouragement during uncertain times.

“It makes me feel seen. I’m not just a number. [SteelMaster] understand[s] what life is like outside of work.”

The flexibility and understanding she’s found at SteelMaster have made a real difference. Whether it’s time off for deployment or simply being able to talk to coworkers who understand, she says the culture here helps her stay balanced.

“It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. I’ve grown a lot, and I’m grateful for where I am and for the people around me who make it easier.”

A Story of Strength

From navigating deployments to building a life far from home, Hannah continues to show what it means to adapt with grace. We’re proud to have her on the SteelMaster team and grateful to spotlight the dedication of military families like hers.

Click here for more SteelMaster Stories of Service.

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When Mike Harmon joined the Navy in 1998, he didn’t know the path ahead would shape nearly every part of who he is today, including the way he leads at SteelMaster.

Navy Service and Developing Leadership Skills

For 14 years, Mike served in the U.S. Navy, with time both on active duty and in the Reserves. He was stationed on two ships, the USS Monterey and USS Arleigh Burke, and also spent time at Little Creek–Fort Story working in special operations. As an Electronics Technician, he worked on everything from mobile and ship communications to hands-on electronic repair, skills that required precision, resilience, and sharp focus.

“Back then, things had to be fixed fast so we could carry out the mission. You learn to put distractions aside and just get the job done.”

His leadership developed alongside his technical skills, learning to manage people and stay composed under pressure.

“There’s always a way to fix things. You just learn how to overcome. That mindset stuck with me.”

Transitioning to SteelMaster and Bringing Military Experience

After leaving the Navy, Mike earned a business degree while managing bars and exploring various jobs like accounting and cell phone sales. Eventually, a connection from his bar management days, SteelMaster’s B2C President Anthony Bueno, encouraged him to join SteelMaster.

Mike quickly rose to become a National Sales Manager in the Residential Department, where he applies his Navy-honed discipline and leadership.

“I have a routine, I stay organized, and I expect people to get things done the way I would.”

His leadership style is direct but grounded in respect and high standards.

“We owe it to our customers and the company to give 100%. There’s not a lot of hand-holding in my style, but there is support. Once I’ve taught you something, I trust you to do it.”

Pride in Service and a Legacy of Discipline

Being a veteran at SteelMaster means more than a title to Mike—it builds trust with customers, many of whom share a military background or a hands-on approach.

“Having that military background helps build trust. We just get each other.”

While he regrets not staying in touch with more people from his Navy days, Mike lives by the values the service instilled.

“The Navy isn’t my entire identity, but it’s a huge part of who I am. It gave me structure, drive, and the ability to adapt. That’s helped me lead here and become the person I am.”

At SteelMaster, Mike’s real-world experience and disciplined mindset help keep his team focused and his customers confident. It’s a legacy of service that continues in a different form.

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A New Chapter in the U.S.

In 1999, Desiree left the Philippines at age 20 and moved to California with her mom and two younger brothers. They reunited with her father and eldest brother, who had arrived in the U.S. just months earlier. The family settled near relatives who had also immigrated, creating a tight-knit community that eased the transition to life in a new country.

“When we moved to California, it sort of felt like coming home because of our extended family who were already living here,” Desiree recalls. “We were together every day in the Philippines, and life just wasn’t the same after they left.”

Shortly after arriving, all three of her brothers joined the U.S. Navy. They followed in the footsteps of two uncles who had retired from the service.

“When they joined, it was a bit of a shock. We’re so close in age and have always been together,” she says. “But I was still with my parents, and we had family around us, so that helped.”

“I’m proud of the work I do at SteelMaster, and I’m so grateful to live in America. This country has given us so many opportunities, and I’ll never take that for granted. I’m especially proud of my brothers, who have all served this country with honor.”

Service During a Time of Uncertainty

After 9/11, the weight of military service hit home in a new way. One of Desiree’s brothers was deployed to Afghanistan on one of the first Navy ships sent to the region.

“I cried so much when I found out,” she says. “We were all so scared. But thank goodness he made it through and came back safe and sound.”

In 2001, her family moved again. This time, they relocated to Virginia Beach to be closer to her father’s side. Two years later, Desiree joined SteelMaster as an accounting specialist. She has remained a steady and dedicated presence ever since. She is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in management at Old Dominion University.

A Lasting Legacy of Service

Today, her family’s connection to service continues. Her oldest brother, now retired from the Navy, works as a field engineering technician supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Her younger brother, who also retired in 2021, is now a budget analyst at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her youngest brother is still on active duty and serves as a Master Chief Gas Turbine System Technician in the Navy.

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Tucked between the old and the new is a photograph of a young man in his mid-20s. A bandana covers part of his face as he stands beneath a clock nearing noon. The image is dim and heavy with smoke, flames in the distance, the smell of sulfur hanging in the air. Rob Poellnitz doesn’t need the photo to remember. The moment is burned into his memory — black smoke, black water, and the creeping fear that made him stand tall like a toy soldier ready for war.

Desert Storm and the USS KIDD

It was 1991, and Desert Storm was raging all around Poellnitz, a recent graduate of the Naval Academy who was serving as an officer on board the USS KIDD (DDG-993) out of Norfolk. The blackness and foul smell in the air were the result of oil fires lit by Iraqi military forces that were destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy while advancing through or withdrawing from the area.

Because the dangers were too great to send in firefighting crews, the fires burned out of control. The Iraqi military also placed land mines in areas around the oil wells, and a military cleaning of the areas was necessary before the fires could be put out. Somewhere around 6 million barrels of oil were lost each day.

Eventually, privately contracted crews extinguished the fires, but by that time, the fires had burned for months, causing widespread pollution.

“I was 26 years old at the time and had a position of very significant responsibility,” remembers Poellnitz. “When you are responsible for the lives of the people serving with you, you lose sleep over it. We didn’t know what we were heading into because it wasn’t like it is today where you can send an email to get information from the outside world. After returning from Desert Storm, I was blown away when I watched CNN — viewers knew more about the war than I did while I was on the ship.”

A Military Family Legacy

Poellnitz’s father, a 34-year Navy veteran, also served in Desert Storm as an intelligence officer under General H. Norman Schwarzkopf.

“My father was deployed six times during his career in the Navy, so I grew up being aware of the sacrifices that have to be made in order to serve the country. I was raised with the values that the U.S. military thrives on: discipline, loyalty, hard work, and trustworthiness. I bring those same attributes to my professional life as well, and I expect them from the people that I work with.”

Leadership at SteelMaster

As B2B President of SteelMaster Buildings, Poellnitz says he runs a tight ship and places great value on communication and teamwork.

“Whether it is developing and nurturing relationships within our office or with our customers, it is vital that it occurs on a continuous basis. But first and foremost, it takes hard work, and I’m proud to say that the people at SteelMaster are some of the hardest working folks that I know. We are like-minded people who put value on family and on achieving a healthy work/life balance. We are proud of our work and proud of how we treat one another and our customers.”

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The iconic arch shape offers more than just looking cool. It is a symbol of ingenuity and practicality that has shaped the way we build. From its ancient origins to modern structures, the arch blends history with cutting-edge and modern engineering.

Who invented the arch?

The history of arches in architecture can be traced back to Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE, where arches made of bricks were used for underground drainage systems during construction.

Although the ancient Sumerians and Babylonians are recognized as the ones who invented arches, the Romans perfected the design and used it in their architecture around the first century BCE.

From the Arch of Titus to the Colosseum, Romans made monuments that we continue to admire today. They set the stage for modern architecture with their belief, ingenuity, and vision of what the arch could do.

Famous Arches Throughout History

For centuries, arches have been at the center of some of the world’s most famous structures, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

• The Roman Colosseum (Italy, 70-80 AD): One of the most well-known arch structures, the Colosseum is a feat of Roman engineering, capable of seating over 50,000 spectators. It stands as a symbol of ancient Roman architectural innovation.
• Arc de Triomphe (France, 1806-1836): Commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate his victories, this neoclassical triumphal arch in Paris is decorated with sculptures and inscriptions. It remains a notable symbol of French national pride.
• Ruins of the 11th-Century Benedictine Abbey Sauve Majeure (France): Located in the Bordeaux region of France, these medieval ruins feature a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including arches that frame the abbey’s remnants, reflecting its historical importance.
• The El Djem Amphitheatre (Tunisia, 238 AD): This well-preserved Roman amphitheater, once capable of seating up to 35,000 spectators, is known for its impressive use of arches in both the structure’s construction and its design, making it one of the largest and most complete Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Modern Uses of Arches in Design

Today, arches have evolved beyond their historical roots, shaping iconic landmarks, improving infrastructure, and offering innovative designs for modern construction.

• Quonset Huts (Worldwide, 1940s-Present): Originally developed by the U.S. Navy in WWII, these semi-cylindrical, prefabricated steel buildings have become a solution for industrial, agricultural, and residential use. Their arch-based design maximizes strength, cost-efficiency, and versatility, increasing their popularity in modern construction.
• The Gateway Arch (USA, 1963): Designed by Eero Saarinen, this stainless steel arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is the tallest arch in the world at 630 feet.
• The Sydney Harbour Bridge (Australia, 1932): One of the largest steel arch bridges in the world, this iconic structure connects Sydney’s central business district to the North Shore, serving as both a practical and famous landmark.

The post The History of Arches in Architecture: A Journey Through Time appeared first on SteelMaster.

For filmmaker, artist, and self-proclaimed “architecture nerd” Tao Ruspoli, owning a Quonset hut had been a long-time dream.

His six-acre compound in Joshua Tree, known for hosting Airbnb guests, retreats, and creative gatherings, needed a unique communal space near his sleek 80-foot-long swimming pool. A prefabricated pool house turned out to be the perfect solution.

Why a prefab Quonset pool house kit?

“I’ve always loved Quonset huts and dreamed of having one or making one,” Tao explains. “I’ve done several remodels, but I had never built something from the ground up. The idea of both the budget and the time required was always daunting. That’s why I was so excited about the prefab aspect.”

• Simple, DIY Construction: Tao worked with a contractor who, despite not being familiar with Quonset-style buildings, was able to build the 40’W X 20’H X 32’L Q-Model in a matter of a couple of weeks 
• Custom Design Capable: After teaming up with his friend, architect Anna Meloyan, they designed custom endwalls with openings on each side, steel siding on the exterior, and plywood veneer on the interior to create the feel of a modern prefab pool house.
• Dual-Purpose Pool House: In addition to having a place where folks can rinse off after taking a dip in the pool, the building’s 100 percent usable space allows for extra room to host parties and overnight guests.

A Quonset-style prefab pool house checked all of Tao’s boxes, it was easier to build than other options, could be as large as he needed, and allowed him to design his own endwalls.

Design That Stands Out

“The Quonset hut is permitted as a workshop, not a living space, so it includes a bathroom and a utility sink but no bedroom. It’s a fabulous space.”

Tao said some of the most breathtaking aspects are how the prefab pool house interacts with its desert surroundings:

• Geometric Design: “I love the unusual geometry from the outside, and the interior is so vast and beautiful—it almost feels like a church.”

• Pool as Focal Point: “A friend pointed out that the reflection in the pool creates a full circle, and it’s absolutely stunning.”
• Landscape & Structure Balance: “Another architect friend said the Quonset hut gives the pool an architectural context it didn’t have before.”
• Minimalist Endwalls:  ”We did the endwalls very simple, with on the outside, and and now it’s just a fabulous space.”

Beyond the Build: SteelMaster’s Support

Tao was especially impressed with SteelMaster’s customer service, particularly the ongoing support he received from his representative, B2C Division Director Noah Taylor. Even after the sale, Noah continued to check in, offering guidance and answering any questions Tao and his contractors had along the way.

“Noah [Taylor] was amazing—he didn’t just disappear after the sale. He checked in multiple times to see how things were going, which really showed me that SteelMaster cares about what happens to their buildings.”

An Iconic Property Addition

As Tao continues to develop his property, his prefabricated pool house has become a key part of its artistic and communal spirit.

“I think this building is going to become an icon of my property. I couldn’t be more proud of it,” he said. “I used to joke that if I’m remembered for anything in 500 years, it’ll be the pool. And now I think it’s the pool and the Quonset hut together.”

Tao’s prefab pool house is more than a structure—it’s a statement piece that matches the beauty of Joshua Tree’s desert landscape.

The post Exploring A Stunning Prefab Pool House in Joshua Tree appeared first on SteelMaster.

Many of the photos featured this year were submitted through our 2024 Photo Contest. We plan on holding another contest in 2025, so start getting your cameras out and snapping your best photos and videos — your building could be featured in our 2026 calendar!  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Cover – Storage Building | Romania

The cover of our calendar shows several storage buildings in Romania. The four XQ-Model buildings, which measure 46’W X 22’H X 51 ‘L, were assembled by Oivdiu Popa, a longtime client and friend of SteelMaster. Over the years, Popa has successfully bought and installed thousands of meters of SteelMaster structures across his native country of Romania.

January – Athletic Facility | Cayman Islands

We start 2025 with a photo of an athletic facility as a nod to one of the most common New Year’s resolutions–getting in shape! The facility is located in the Cayman Islands and is 30’W X 18’H X 85’L.

February – Storage Building | Iliamna, Alaska

As we settle into the year, we move to a storage unit in Iliamna, Alaska. A storage unit is a perfect way to stay organized year-round. This X-Model is 28’W X 16’H X 50’L.

March – Shed | Portland, Oregon

March into Spring with this unique and convenient storage option. This S-Model shed in Portland, Oregon, is 10’W X 10’H X 10’L. This unit is built to store anything, anywhere and withstands harsh weather conditions.

April – Storage Building | North Pole, Alaska

April showers bring storage power– the vibrant flowers add charm to the industrial-looking steel arches. This 12’W X 11’H X 20’L S-Model makes storage a breeze!

May – Aircraft Hangar | Macon, North Carolina

As April clouds clear, land smoothly in May with the durable S-Model hangar, built to protect aircraft of any size. The hangar measures at 45’W X 17’H X 44’L.

June – Roofing System | Norfolk, Virginia

SteelMaster roofing system covers the new Nusbaum TV & Film Academy. The academy will be dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of storytellers and creatives. This XR-Model is 44’W X 19′ H X 31’L.

July – Garage | Buckeye, Arizona

Anthony F. assembled his garage, which he calls The Ark. The American flag painted on the door honors Anthony’s late parents and his military service. The Ark has air conditioning, heat, insulation, and a full bathroom inside. With floor drains and custom duty racking on wheels, the garage can even be reconfigured to fit a vehicle. This A-Model garage is 17’W X 12’H X 26’L.

August – Cabin | Burns, Oregon

It’s time to soak up those final rays of Summer! The S-Model is perfect for a cozy loft. This is 10’W X 10’H X 16’L.

September – Tamarack Project – Housing | Boise, Idaho

Tamarack’s new employee housing makes it easy to fall in love with these beautifully crafted XQ-Models. The housing units are located in Boise, Idaho, and are 42’W X 21’H X 155’L.

October – House | Marana, Arizona

This custom house fuses modern style and durability, offering a unique, functional space with a sleek finish! This is a Q-Model and is 40’W X 20’H X 52’L.

November – Athletic Facility | Carpenter, Wyoming

This athletic facility in the fields of beautiful Wyoming blends functionality with the allure of the outdoors! This build is a Q-Model 50’W X 18′ X 100’L.

December – House | Benson, Arizona

We end the year in style with December’s photo of a S-Model home illuminated by LED lights! This custom home’s bold design is as unique as the memories you’ll make this year. 

The post The Stories Behind the 2025 SteelMaster Buildings Calendar appeared first on SteelMaster.