Ice Womb is a Geometric Warming Hut for Chilly Ice Skaters

Winter weather is upon us, and everyone’s favorite cold weather pastime, ice skating, is taking over ponds and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/the-standard-hotel-ice-skating-rink-opens-below-the-high-line/" target="_blank">rinks across the world</a>. <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/virginiamelnyk/" target="_blank">Virginia Melnyk</a>’s Ice Womb offers <a href="http://inhabitat.com/winnipeg-ice-skating-shelters-mimic-buffalos-bracing-against-the-wind/" target="_blank">a place to warm up fingers and faces</a> when skating outdoors on a frozen waterway. The geometric cube structure blends with the iridescence of the ice on the outside, but it's interior is a deep, warm red.

Melnyk designed Ice Womb’s exterior to harmonize with the natural magic of the winter landscape. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-mirror-walled-treehouse-hotel-now-officially-open/" target="_blank">glistening façade mirrors</a> the snow and ice of the frozen lake or pond it is placed near, extending the winter wonderland created after a crisp snowfall.

From afar the cold weather respite can blend seamlessly into the winterscape, appearing as an oasis when skaters get closer to the structure.

After a few spins around the ice, skaters can take a breather and warm up their noses in the comfort of Ice Womb. Contrasting from the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/commuters-can-skate-through-a-recycled-tree-forest-in-winnipegs-winter-garden/" target="_blank">frozen scenery outsid</a>e, the glowing womb is cozy and inviting.

A red cavern like space welcomes visitors through entrances on all sides of the cubes. Inside, skaters can take a rest and lounge in different cut outs in the plush red interior. Areas for standing, sitting, lounging and reclining are created on each of the four facades, and connect in the interior.

Plush red pillows line each area of the interior, creating a supported and <a href="http://www.ecouterre.com/need-a-power-nap-at-work-bury-your-head-in-the-ostrich-pillow-bag/" target="_blank">comfy place</a> to sit with friends before taking to the ice again.

Melnyk’s Ice Womb is a pop up <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rope-pavilion-by-kne-studio-is-an-elegant-woven-warming-shelter-in-canada/" target="_blank">warming hut</a> that could bring warmth to frozen waters in any region.