SETTLEMENT AND HOUSING DESIGN WITH SPECIAL REGARD TO LOCAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN COLD AND POLAR-REGIONS - EXAMPLES FROM NORTHERN NORWAY

Five years research work laid the foundation for experimental work in a residential project in Hammerfest, Northern Norway. The definition of outer limit for settlement with regard to the harsh climate was drawn. Design criteria for individual houses are created by detailed studies in the actual site, winter and summer, and by several model tests, maintained in plans for each lot through certain kinds of bulding controls and recommendations. The main principles are: open angle to the south sun, with a steep roof-slope to allow glass and maximum use of sun radiation; closed and low back facades, fronting strong winds and snow stress with a gentile aerodynamic roof slope; terraces in the sheltered zone of the unit, raised above ground level to avoid snow accumulation; main entrances coordinated with the garage oriented with a corner located 1. 5 m from the road and snow-cleared by winds.