All buildings in Longyearbyen share a unique feature – none of them have basements due to the permafrost.
To prevent thawing, cooling coils are installed for heavy-load structures, while most buildings rest on long poles. Drilled into the ground, these poles, some reaching 16 m deep, allow air circulation and prevent the structure from melting into the permafrost. Buildings are in constant motion due to frost heaves, but adjustments can prevent collapse. UNIS employs hydraulic pressure plates to monitor frost heave across the settlement, hidden behind wooden facades that deter animals.
Houses on stilts
from the audio walk Longyearbyen Audiowalk – Start Harbour
Price: 19.99 €
50
Stations
70:53 min Audio
12.33 km 2
70:53 min Audio
12.33 km 2
