There's no way to sugar coat it, the Polar Vortex of 2019 has aggressively hit various parts of the world. As people have braced themselves for the cold and frigid temperatures, how does the harsh cold remind us of building more resilient structures? Chicago and many other areas in the U.S. have made headlines with its reaction to the Polar Vortex. Photos and videos of snow covered roads, icicle buildings, and frozen bodies of water have graced the media. Although these record-setting temperatures in the Midwest have made a substantial impact on several people, the solution to designing thermal resilient structures is nothing new in the world of architecture.

Several architects and designers have constructed buildings that were made to withstand some of the most extreme temperatures. Places that are prone to the cold like Antarctica and Norway are home to several structures built to withstand such extremes. Below are 5 examples and descriptions of buildings that can brace the cold.

Monte Rosa Hut by Bearth & Deplazes Architeckten
Location: Switzerland

"Con­tem­por­ary ver­sion of a me­di­eval don­jon: Five-story wood con­struc­tion made from pre­fab­ric­ated frame ele­ments. The isol­ated moun­tain loc­a­tion man­dates the greatest pos­sible self-suf­fi­ciency. The am­bi­val­ence between a sense of se­cur­ity and be­ing ex­posed defines the build­ing’s struc­ture: be­low are the com­munal areas with sur­round­ing rib­bon glaz­ing, above the closed sleep­ing quar­ters. The cas­cad­ing spiral stair­way opens pan­or­ama views when as­cend­ing, fol­lows the course of the sun, cap­tures the solar ir­ra­di­ation, and dis­trib­utes the warmth of the sun throughout the en­tire house."

Halley VI Research Station by Hugh Broughton Architects
Location: Brunt Ice Shelf, Antarctica

"The modules are constructed with a robust steel structure and clad in highly insulated composite GRP panels. Prefabrication of structure, cladding, rooms and services was maximized within the limitations of the sea ice. The station is arranged in a straight line perpendicular to the prevailing wind so that snow drifts form on the leeward side. This leaves the windward side free from drifts, reducing snow management requirements and creating a hard icy surface across which vehicles can easily move. The base is split in two for life safety. Each half has its own energy centre and is self sustaining in case of emergency. A bridge link allows sharing of power, drainage and water. The modules are supported on giant steel skis and hydraulically driven legs that allow the station to mechanically ‘climb’ up out of the snow every year."

Trollstigen Tourist Route by Reiulf Ramstad Architects
Location: Norway

"The project enhances the experience of the Trollstigen plateau’s location and nature. Thoughtfulness regarding elements and materials underscore the site’s nature and character, and well-adapted, functional facilities augment the visitor experience. The architecture is characterized by clear and precise transitions between planned zones and the natural landscape. Through the notion of water as a dynamic element—from snow to running and then falling water—and rock as a static element, the project creates a series of prepositional relations that describe and magnify the unique spatiality of the site."

Mêmu Meadows Experimental House by Kengo Kuma
Location: Taiki, Japan

"We were in charge of the first experimental house, and in the process of designing, we got a number of clues from “Chise,” the traditional housing style of the Ainu. What is most characteristic about Chise is that it is a “house of grass” and “house of the earth.” The fundamental idea of Chise, “house of the earth,” is to keep warming up the ground this way and retrieve the radiation heat generated from it. We do not treat insulation within the thickness of heat-insulation material only, which was a typical attitude of the static environmental engineering in 20th century. What we aim at is a dynamic environmental engineering to replace it for this age. That we utilize the radiant heat from the floor is part of it, and it has been verified that you could spend several days in winter here without using floor heating. The other reason we covered the house with membrane material was our longing for a life surrounded by natural light, as if you were wrapped in daylight on the grassland. Without relying on any lighting system, you simply get up when it gets light, and sleep after dark – we expect this membrane house enables you to lead a life that synchronizes the rhythm of the nature. "

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Location: Norway

"The seedbank is 120 metres (390 ft) inside a sandstone mountain on Spitsbergen Island, and employs robust security systems. Seeds are packaged in special three-ply foil packets and heat sealed to exclude moisture. Spitsbergen was considered ideal because it lacked tectonic activity and had permafrost, which aids preservation. Its being 130 metres (430 ft) above sea level will keep the site dry even if the ice caps melt. The roof and vault entrance are filled with highly reflective stainless steel, mirrors, and prisms. The installation reflects polar light in the summer months, while in the winter, a network of 200 fibre-optic cables gives the piece a muted greenish-turquoise and white light. In Norway, government-funded construction projects exceeding a certain cost must include artwork. KORO, the Norwegian State agency overseeing art in public spaces, engaged the artist to install lighting that highlights the importance and qualities of Arctic light. "

It's hard to deny such cold temperatures are not affected by the results of climate change. However, as the architecture community bears witness to several serious changes in climate around the world, it only strengthens the case for more resilient structures, and better design approaches given our world's current state.