Rendering of the Red River Mutual Trail at Dusk

Snowglobe Elevations

Snowglobe Plan

Snowglobe Conceptual Model

Snowglobe is a proposal for a warming hut on the Red River Mutal Trail in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Our proposal was a lightweight membrane structure, built using a series of plywood ribs, clad in a laced tensile fabric skin. The construction typology is a reference to the vernacular Canadian craftsmanship used to build canoes and snowshoes.
The proposed warming hut provides a bright contrast to the stark landscape of the river trail during Manitoba’s long winters. During the day, the hut is a bright, colorful moment along the river trail. At night, the structure is lit by LED lights, transforming it into a glowing lantern and beacon. Snowglobe’s form exists as an enigmatic object on the landscape, and as one approaches, the entrance is revealed. This animates the structure, and provides a sense of discovery. Snowglobe’s lightweight fabric shell provides shelter from the wind, and a moment of pause along the busy recreational trail.

With Margaret Saunders
Warming Hut Competition, Fall 2010