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The clay igloo was assembled by the lake with a structure of metal mesh, earth taken from the space itself, straw to bind, and lake water in the mixture. The group molded the entrance, opened a window, adjusted layers, and entered the small handcrafted house after hours of collective manual work.
The clay igloo started as an unlikely idea within a handcrafted project by a lake. Instead of ice, the group decided to use earth, straw, water, and metal mesh to create a small rounded house, with a low entrance, side opening, and enough internal space for several people to enter.
The construction was done in stages, starting with the assembly of the structure, moving through the mixing of mud with natural fibers, and reaching the manual finish. The result was not ready definitively on the first day, as small cracks appeared and the team still planned to apply new layers to reinforce the shelter.
Igloo structure started with metal mesh
The first step was to define the construction site. The group chose an area close to the lake, so that the small house would be integrated into the scenery and could be used as part of the handcrafted space they were creating.
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To shape the igloo, they assembled a rounded structure with connected pieces covered by metal mesh. This mesh functioned as a base to hold the clay, preventing the mixture from dripping or losing shape during application.
The structure also received an entrance opening. As in a traditional igloo, the passage was low, requiring people to bend down to enter the interior of the construction.
The idea was to create a small house, but not just decorative. The group wanted several people to be able to enter, stay inside, and experience the space after assembly.
Earth, straw, and water formed the main mixture
After the structure, came the heaviest stage: preparing the mud mixture. The earth used in the construction was mixed with water and straw, forming a firmer composition to adhere to the mesh.
The straw was used as a natural fiber. It helps to bind the mud and reduces the chance of the mixture breaking easily, especially when applied to a curved structure exposed to sun and rain.
The group used water from the lake itself to prepare the mixture. The mixture was stomped and kneaded until it reached a more malleable consistency, suitable to be taken to the structure and applied manually.
This process made it clear that the work was more physical than it seemed. Mixing, carrying, and molding the mud required collective effort, rhythm, and constant adjustments.
Applying the mud required patience and improvisation
The first layer was the most difficult because the mud needed to adhere to the metal mesh and start closing the spaces in the structure. Initially, part of the mixture passed through the mesh or fell, requiring immediate corrections.
Over time, the group adjusted the technique. The application began to take shape as the team understood the right amount of mud, pressure, and thickness to keep the igloo firm.
While some members shaped the exterior, others prepared more mixture. The division of labor helped speed up the construction, as the mixture needed to be applied before it dried too much.
The upper part required extra care. Since the top would be more difficult to reach later, the group decided to advance in this area before completing the lateral finishes.
Window was opened during construction
During the process, the group decided to open a window in the structure. The opening was cut into the mesh and then shaped with mud to gain a more defined form.
The window had two functions. The first was to allow the entry of air and light. The second was to create a view outside, as the igloo was near the lake and part of an open environment.
This detail changed the appearance of the small handcrafted house. Instead of a completely closed structure, the igloo now had an opening that resembled an eye or a mouth within the design imagined by the group.
In the finishing, the team worked on the edges of the window with more care, aiming to make the piece visually more interesting and functional.
Low entrance reinforced the handcrafted shelter style
The entrance of the igloo was made as a narrow and low passage. To access the interior, one had to crouch, which reinforced the feeling of a compact shelter.
The group also made adjustments to the entrance mouth, smoothing the mud and trying to make the passage more well-finished. As it was the point of greatest circulation, this area needed to be firmer and more regular.
The small house was not presented as a conventional construction, but as a handcrafted experience. The goal was to test a different idea, using simple materials and manual labor.
Even so, the internal space surprised the group. Upon entering, they realized that several people could fit inside the igloo, albeit with limitations on height and comfort.
Cracks showed that the work is not yet finished
After hours of construction, the mud igloo took shape, but still showed small cracks on the surface. This was expected in a structure made with wet earth, straw, and natural drying.
The group recognized that it would be necessary to apply another layer on top. This step would be important to reinforce the cover, reduce fissures, and decrease the risk of infiltrations.
The rain also became a concern. As the mud was still fresh, the team needed to protect the structure with a tarp to prevent the water from undoing part of the work before drying.
This care shows that handcrafted constructions with clay depend heavily on the climate. Sun, wind, and rain can completely alter the result if the drying process is not monitored.
Unlikely idea turned into a small collective house
What started as an unusual idea turned into a small handcrafted house by the lake. The metal mesh structure gave shape, the mixture of earth and straw created the body, and the manual finishing transformed the project into something visually striking.
The clay igloo attracted attention precisely because it adapted a shape associated with ice to a completely different material. Instead of frozen blocks, the house was born from clay, natural fibers, and improvisation.
The result still needed reinforcement and finishing, but it already allowed the group to enter, test the opening, observe the window, and evaluate the internal space.
The construction also paved the way for new ideas in the same location, as the group mentioned other possible handcrafted projects, such as structures made with bamboo.
Clay igloo shows the strength of manual construction
The clay igloo built by the lake shows how simple materials can take shape when there is creativity, collective effort, and willingness to test unconventional solutions. The small house was not born perfect, but it gained structure, entrance, window, and visual presence.
More than a definitive construction, it functions as a handcrafted experiment. The charm lies in the process: mixing the earth, molding the clay, correcting mistakes, protecting from the rain, and seeing an unlikely idea take shape.
This type of project also recalls ancient construction techniques with earth, where local material, plant fiber, and manual labor were essential parts of the work.
And you, would you dare to enter a handmade clay igloo by a lake, or do you think this type of construction is more of a visual curiosity than a real shelter? Share your opinion.
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