In the spectacular glacier region of the Okstindan Mountain Range during winter everything seems to disappear in a white landscape utterly devoid of shadow. Low temperatures, storms and snow drifts presented the architects with considerable difficulties in designing a cabin for the Norwegian Trekking Association which those seeking shelter could find even in a snow storm and which, thanks to its aerodynamic silhouette, presents a minimal surface area to the driving wind and snow.
Two chimneys, visible from a distance, project from the Rabot Tourist Cabin, named after glaciologist Charles Rabot. The extreme climatic conditions exerted a strong influence on the design. The average snow loads of 9.5 kN/m2 and the heavy winds provided the basis for dimensioning the closely spaced timber frame. Local volunteers helped to erect the simply detailed cabin, the individual elements were transported by helicopter from the sawmill. The silvery grey colour of the spruce cladding was produced by applying a protective coating of ferrous sulphate.
Two chimneys, visible from a distance, project from the Rabot Tourist Cabin, named after glaciologist Charles Rabot. The extreme climatic conditions exerted a strong influence on the design. The average snow loads of 9.5 kN/m2 and the heavy winds provided the basis for dimensioning the closely spaced timber frame. Local volunteers helped to erect the simply detailed cabin, the individual elements were transported by helicopter from the sawmill. The silvery grey colour of the spruce cladding was produced by applying a protective coating of ferrous sulphate.