Step By Step Instructions To Build An Ice Block Igloo

By Nick from 50 Campfires

Published

01/06/2017

Aaron Cyr is a handy guy who lives up in Manitoba. He owns a really cool business called Local Oak Wood & Supply Co. where he makes all sorts of interesting wood projects. You know what else he’s really good at? He knows how to build an ice block igloo that is absolutely stunning.

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It took Aaron 25-30 hours to build, in temperatures ranging from -4F to -40F. The door is about 4 feet tall, which makes it easy to get into while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. He can seat about eight people and plans to have dinner parties inside. Can you think of a cooler place to be on a Saturday night?

Here’s the step-by-step build reposted with Aaron’s permission. Well done sir!

build an igloo — The completed igloo consisting of approximately 250 ice blocks.

build an igloo — First step is to freeze the blocks. Best way I found was to run a hose from the kitchen sink. I froze them in batches of 50 to limit the chance of frostbite. Coloured blocks are dyed with a couple drops of food colouring. Foil pans are from Costco (roughly $.50 a pan).

build an igloo — Foundation. First row is placed on a packed snow base. Just a slight inward angle for this row.

build an igloo — The blocks slowly angle inward. Since the blocks have an angled edge to them from the tin told, I alternate their faces on each row.

build an igloo — I used a support on each new row to ensure the brick froze up solid. The subsequent blocks usually didn’t need to be supported once the first one had froze.

build an igloo — Getting closer.

build an igloo — To keep the blocks together and the structure sound, I used a slush mortar. I mixed it in a bin and applied by hand.

build an igloo — The first blocks were the most challenging to set. But once they froze the rest of the row went quick.

build an igloo — Taking shape. Leaving a big gap for the door because at this point I had no idea how I was going to finish it.

build an igloo — Tried to span the gap, but it just wouldn’t hold.

build an igloo — Almost there.

build an igloo — Made the door before finishing the dome. Some major gaps at this point, but everything fills with the slush.

build an igloo — Seats about 8 people comfortably. Also added an LED chandelier.

build an igloo — It glows at night.

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