In snow and cold country—especially where heavy snow falls only occasionally and in regions of severe cold—the forces of potential destruction are at least as hazardous for the built environment as earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault or typhoons on Guam. Among the dangers are ice dams and icicles, condensation, water intrusion, and snow falling from roofs.
IMA is well versed in meeting these challenges: Members of the firm have been studying the effects of snow on buildings for 50 years. We know that if a structure is to survive the hazards of snow and cold, the architect must provide it with strength and sound detailing. Beauty in the deep snow country arises from a thorough knowledge of the environment, as Mallory points out.
IMA provides a full range of snow and cold country services that draw upon our extensive experience in many locales.
Ian Mackinlay has directed many major projects in snow country and winter recreation architecture, including the award-winning
Boreal Ridge Ski Lodge and Snowmass Villas Condominiums (with Henrik Bull). IMA provides a full complement of architectural design and construction-phase services for snow country projects, including site planning, master planning, building design and detailing, and project management.
The best time to avoid potential snow country defects is early in the design process. The most important factor is roof geometry, which is hard to alter after the design is set. IMA advises architects, developers and building owners on the best ways to respond to the rigorous environmental demands of snow and cold country while maintaining the integrity of the architect's vision. Our services include detail consulting, drawings and quality assurance review.
When buildings don't withstand the rigors of snow and cold environments, IMA determines the causes and provides remedial design recommendations. Snow loading and water intrusion due to condensation, as well as ice damming, are just a few of the problems we can help solve. IMA also provides litigation support as part of its forensic investigations.
