The nature in northern regions is severe. Having appeared in winter time on the snow-covered plain or in the forest, it is not so simple to take cover from bad weather. And here Eskimos, aboriginals of Alaska, knew long ago how to keep heat and cosiness of home even in severe frosts. For this purpose it is necessary to build only the snow house – needle.
To Eagle – the original hut of Eskimos which is entirely executed from snow. In form the needle is reminded by the roundish dome made of accurately put snow blocks. Obligatory attribute of such hut is the low door. Collected from snow, the dwelling of Eskimos is capable to keep long heat, at the same time for heating of indoor air one lit candle quite is enough.
For long centuries the Eskimos have got skilled at to construct the real settlements from snow blocks. Some constructions are used only for housing, others are taken away under economic needs. During snowstorm or snow-storm it is much safer to be in needle, than in normal tent. Strong snow walls are capable to sustain both severe frost, and strong wind. In weather patterns, normal for Far North, such hut established at the beginning of winter is quite capable to stay to the middle of spring.
It is possible to make needle independently, making use of knowledge and the experience accumulated by the inventive North American people. For a start it is necessary to pick up and prepare the flat platform on which snow the deepest and dense. On snow the circle is accurately drawn. On this contour it is necessary to lay the main layer of snow blocks.
The optimum size of one "brick" - 50 cm in length, 40 cm in width, 10-15 cm in thickness. Separate blocks cut out in deep snow long knife or shovel, shaking a little to separate from the basis. The laying is carried out by the traditional way applied at construction of brick buildings. Gleams between blocks are rubbed clean snow. You watch also that vertical joints between blocks in adjacent ranks did not coincide. That the design has received dome form, each next row is stacked with some bias in construction. Despite simple technology, it is the best of all for beginner to perform works on the device needle by means of the workmate. It will allow to avoid flaws when laying "bricks" and will accelerate construction process. Pay special attention to several last rows making the arch needle; they need to be mounted especially carefully and accurately. After construction of walls it is necessary to punch opening (it will provide air ventilation) in dome and also to cut through small manhole in the lower part of the hut. If you build the hut of snow for the first time, be ready that at you not less than three-four hours will leave on it. It is necessary to get into the new cozy dwelling and to indulge in deserved rest.