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The floor plan may be oval or circular, but not rectangular. It is well to make an outline first, by standing in the center, grasping a ski at the desired radius, and sketching with the point the course to be followed with the first row of blocks. An inside diameter of eight feet will provide adequate quarters for four men. Depending upon whether the house is to be high or low, each block of this first row is undercut along the lower edge. So beveled, the block will lean inward at the desired angle. Later rows will be similarly beveled. When the first row has been completed, the next row may be built on top. But a better system is to provide for a continuous spiral in the following manner. Choosing any block in the first row, cut away a diagonal half —from the top of one side to the bottom of the other. Begin the second row of blocks by placing the first in this space. Then build continuously around and around in smaller and smaller diameters until space remains for only one more block at the top. This final block will act as a keystone, and the igloo as it stands will be satisfactory, if caulked with loose snow. But added strength will be provided, and the brushing off of snow at contact prevented, if a little time is taken for icing the interior. This is done by lighting a stove (or woodfire) inside the igloo, sealing the door, and leaving until the snow becomes sufficiently moist inside to form ice when the fire is extinguished and the cold air from outside let in. |
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