Plateau Hut
Planning
Conditions
So Mr Chinn knew first-hand what sort of conditions the structure would need to withstand – hurricane-force winds, massive snowdrifts, incessant freezing and thawing, and temperatures ranging from 20°C to -20°C. He also understood how to ensure that one of the busiest huts on the mountain could sleep 30 comfortably. The bunkrooms, foyer and cooking 18 e.nz magazine room are comprehensively sound-insulated – a vital requirement since climbers arrive and leave at all hours of the day and night.
For Mr Chinn the greatest achievement was constructing the building, incorporating a variety of innovative details, on the inhospitable and inaccessible site. The design had to address serviceability and strength issues, and allow the building to be transported to the mountain and assembled between February and April, when the site is free of drifting snow.
The hut weighs around 60 tonnes, all of which, along with construction accommodation, plant and staff, had to be transported to site by helicopter. The design was modular so that each structural component could be flown to the site and placed safely. The separate modules were then connected and clad to produce a weatherresistant, serviceable and robust structure.
