The diagram illustrates how an igloo is made from snow. Overall, there are eight main steps in the process, beginning with preparing hard-packed snow, which is cut by a snow saw, and ending with a finished, habitable igloo.
First, hard-packed snow is cut into blocks of different sizes with the help of a snow saw. Next, these large blocks of snow are laid out in a circular ring with a diameter of 4 metres. These large blocks are used to form a solid base. After that, additional layers are added on top, with the blocks decreasing in size and the walls curving inward. This change in block size allows the igloo to transform from a wide base into a domed roof. In the next stage, a cap block is placed on the top to seal the structure.
Loose snow is applied to the exterior to fill gaps and enhance the insulation of the igloo, which reaches 2 metres in height, making it compact but still high enough for human use. Additionally, an entrance tunnel is carved out lower than the main chamber to maintain heat. Then, air holes are drilled in the interior walls to ensure ventilation. Finally, a finished, habitable igloo is completed.