Snow, wind, altitude and shelter are all critical factors in the design of an adequate hut structure. There is data available on rainfall, wind speeds and sunshine hours as they vary across Scotland. The first and second of these combine to give a driving rain index which will affect the choice and detailing of the cladding. The amount of sunshine and the path of the sun across the sky will affect the size and positioning of windows allowing useful passive solar gain and possibly dictate summer shading.
Follow the flow charts below accompanied by wind map andd snow map to see if your site factors are challenging enough that you need to consult a structural engineer. If your site factors do not present these challenges you can proceed to super structure and Appendices 1 and 2 to find a suitable structure without further climatic advice.
OTHER BUILDINGS #
The way a hut relates to the group it is within and how those other buildings are sited is a critical part of the design.
CLIMATIC LOADING #
As well as benefits of mutual shelter and shading and access to views you should refer to Separation from boundaries and other buildings for mandatory conditions on the spacing of huts.
WIND SPEED MAP OF SCOTLAND #
The Isopleths are windspeeds in meters per second
SNOW MAP OF SCOTLAND #
Ground snow load in KNewtons per meter squared
