ice tools

by Sputnik Architecture, Winnipeg Manitoba

At Sputnik Architecture we put together ice structures and sculptures every winter, including Anish Kapoor’s 2017 Stackhouse warming hut, and multiple sculptures and ice chutes around Winnipeg. We have learned many techniques from an ice artist in Norway, Luca Roncoroni, who has built many warming hut projects.

We start by harvesting the ice, cutting it out of rivers and lakes with chainsaw, ice tongs, skip steers and tractors. Then we use an array of specialised tools to stack and carve the ice. The tools are mostly self-made or adapted from conventional chisels. Speicial ice carving chisels have to be kept unbelievably sharp — the slightest flaw in the blade can ruin the ice surface. . .

Read more about Sputnik's ice work in On Site review 39: tools