INUIT WINTER HOUSE Igloo Igloos were primarily used by Inuit in Canada’s Central Arctic and Greenland’s Thule Area. However, snow was a common material used throughout the Arctic to insulate dwellings, due to air pockets that trapped warmer air. Used for both temporary shelter and as semi-permanent dwellings, igloos were relatively fast and easy to construct in a short time, approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Igloos were typically built near access to food on sea ice after freeze-up, and in groups of two with multiple rooms. Inside, animal hides were used to insulate and extend the life of the dwelling, with raised sleeping platforms, as shown in the diagram below of a Inuit snow house. The longevity of the snow house also depended on weather conditions; in the coldest temperatures, igloos lasted four to six weeks. Drawings informed by: Molly Lee and Gregory A. Reinhardt, Eskimo Architecture, Dwelling and Structure in the Early Historic Period [2003]
Igloo Construction
1. Test snow quality with ice probe made of wood, baleen, antler, or ivory. 2. Trace a circle perimeter with a snow knife and remove snow.
3. Cut and place snow blocks in an upward spiral while trimming with a snow knife.
5. Cut doorway and shovel snow against exterior to shelter from wind and prevent erosion of snow.
4. Cut blocks from the base of the snow house to form a raised sleeping platform with warmer temperatures than in the main living area.
6. Build entrance tunnel.
Short tunnel
Loose protective snow
Furs for warmth Raised sleeping platform
Skins [> 125–126]
Snow block [> 125–126]
Snow knife [> 125–126]
Snow probe [> 125–126]
Toggles [> 125–126]
Qulliq [> 125–126]