FACILITY DESIGN GUIDES
INDOOR AMENITIES

Snow Cabin

6min

Objective

A tile lined room with a generator producing a soft, falling snow effect usually at temperatures between 7-13 degrees Celsius (**45-55 degrees F).

Variations

  • Ice Cabin
    • The ice cabin is a variation on the Snow Cabin and consists of ice walls, ice fountains and ice block focal features.

Space Planning

Locate the snow cabin adjacent to the wet lounge and positioned with other wet amenities. This room is utilized as one of the last phases of the wet circuit.

Design Features

  • Provide vapor-proof and insulated construction following the manufacturer’s installation requirements and any local building regulations.
  • Install a water proof, sloped floor to a drain(s).
  • Provide bench or lounge seating within the room. Benches should be heated or should include durable cushioning rated for a cold, humid environment.
  • Consider heated floors so that guests may walk barefoot in the room.
  • Include a focal feature within the room. This may be an ice fountain (as discussed in a separate section), snowfall shower, or other location specific feature.
  • Utilize interesting materials within the room to create a memorable experience.
  • Provide equipment operation and life safety signage at appropriate locations.
  • Locate controls and timers in back of house space to be controlled by the employees.
  • Install robe hooks outside the entrance door.

Flooring and Wall Finishes

A sloped floor to a drain(s)

Furniture and Equipment

  • Snow Generator Room: Provide an adjacent utility room and/or plenum space to remotely locate the equipment. See manufacturer’s requirements. Provide access from a back of house area for maintenance. Provide adequate acoustical separation if located adjacent to guest areas.
  • Snow Generator Equipment: Specify a commercial snow generator for continual use with independent thermostat to control the room temperature. Size the generators for the Snow Cabin volume. Certain materials may require the use of a larger generator. Please consult with the manufacturer prior to purchasing the generator. Install the required, water supply, inline water softening system, a floor drain, and the necessary electrical supply. Provide blocking within the partition if the generators are wall mounted.

Lighting

Install wet area rated cold resistant lighting.

Electrical and Technology Requirements

Wet area rated and cold resistant audio speakers

Sanitation and Safety Measures

Duress alarm or emergency shut-off