Ice Construction

Building structures using ice or snow as primary material.

Overview

Ice construction employs ice and snow for temporary structures like igloos or ice hotels, often in cold climates.

Core Characteristics

• Temporary and seasonal.
• Thermal insulation focus.
• Environmentally adaptive.

Notable Examples

• Icehotel Sweden (Sweden, 1989, rebuilt annually).
• Igloo Village (Canada, traditional Inuit shelters).

Architectural Connections

• Contemporary: Novelty focus.
• Hospitality: Ice hotels.
• Vernacular: Core movement.

Influence and Legacy

Rooted in Inuit traditional practices, it inspires temporary architecture.

Related Concepts & Techniques

Vernacular Design (technique), Sustainability (theory), Structure (element), Eco-Architecture (movement)