Sweden's Icehotels, constructed every winter, always garner a lot of attention due to their pure ice construction and their various ice-based sculptures, but these structures are left to naturally melt away once summer arrives. This year however, the Icehotel 365 will maintain its shape and structure due to its melt-proof construction.
The new Icehotel 365, which will be built at the same time as the usual annual Icehotel, will make use of a special ultra-refrigeration unit that will work to keep temperatures low so that the icy structure is left undisturbed. The refrigeration unit will draw its energy from solar panels, an awesomely ironic arrangement in which the sun's energy is used to protect the Icehotel 365 from the sun's own heat.
Set to open in November, the Icehotel 365 stands to be an excellent example of sustainable Arctic architecture.
Melt-Proof Ice Hotels
The Icehotel 365 Will Stay Frozen All Year Roun
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Arctic Architecture - The use of ultra-refrigeration units powered by solar panels to maintain ice structures provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for sustainable architecture in Arctic regions.
2. All-year-round Ice Structures - The development of melt-proof ice structures presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the tourism industry in Arctic regions, where visitors can enjoy these unique constructions year-round.
3. Alternative Energy Solutions - The use of solar panels to power ultra-refrigeration units could disrupt the energy industry by providing an alternative energy solution for locations with limited access to electrical grids.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - The all-year-round Icehotel 365 presents an opportunity for the tourism industry to attract visitors for this unique and sustainable Arctic experience.
2. Architecture - The development of melt-proof architecture provides an innovative opportunity for architecture and building design in Arctic regions.
3. Renewable Energy - The use of solar power to maintain ice structures represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the renewable energy industry in Arctic regions.