The Angirraq: Low Cost Prefabrication in Arctic Houses

Abstract

Production models of the Angirraq hut, developed for the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources, Ottawa, can be built for $4.00/sq ft, complete except for services. Basic stressed skin panels (fir plywood) with full thick glass fiber insulation packed in the closed panels and cedar plywood exterior are combined with open-joints to form an assembly, tied with shear dowels and continuous chords, to form a rigid box. Construction details and results of tests on panel bowing, condensation, heating, and effect of wind-blown rain and snow on joints, are discussed.