This Is What Happens When Architects Play With Snow

The day after Christmas Raleigh had a snow day.

not my house
To make the most of it, the hubby and I - along with his dad, mom and sister - built a snow cabin. Yeah, most people build snowmen or avoid the cold altogether, but we're not most people. Allow me to walk you through our insanity process.

snow bricks

The crew formed bricks on the driveway then used a skim board to deliver them to the job site. The bricks were made by packing snow into lightly greased tupperware. A quick shake was all it took to get them out.

leveling

We used bamboo poles (leftover from an old school project) to mark the foundation then I started laying bricks. I served as mason and then hubby came after me to stabilize and level everything.

spanning windows

Because building a house from snow bricks isn't crazy enough, we added windows - 3 on the back and 2 on the front. We spanned the window openings with leftover slats from our Ikea blinds.

ceremoniously placing the last brick

To support the roof we built up the short walls then we placed 3 bamboo "beams" - 1 at the ridge and 1 along each long wall to support the roof.

installing the roof
The roofing material was old bamboo mats we once used as a privacy screen at our apartment.

ta-da!
Leftover mats were used as an entry path. My father-in-law teased us for putting a tiki hut roof on an Eskimo house, but what could we do? The materials were free and light weight!

interior

All in all it took us roughly 6 hours and 600 snow bricks. It was hard work and lots of fun. Hubby is already planning our next snow structure!

6 comments:

MelancholySmile said...

Oh my gosh, I'm speechless! That has to be the most awesome snow fort ever. It almost makes me wish I lived someplace cold. Almost.

Snow bricks are the best. :)

megannielsen said...

Good grief that is the most amazing snow house i've ever seen. EVER. WOW!

Regina @ Chalk In My Pocket said...

Um, hello. My daughter and I would like to come live with you. Or at least next door.

...please?!

All kidding aside, this is a really great structure. I'm betting it will last a good long while too!

I'm coming over from ohDeeDoh :-)

Unknown said...

You amaze me!!! Congrats on the AT feature!!!

Irwin Floto said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Irwin Floto said...

That big house became more beautiful when coated with ice. Good thing it didn't result in anything negative. Hey, that miniature house was so cute. Building those during the winter season would be a good hobby to do with friends.

-Irwin Floto

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