The foundation of the building is comprised of wooden piles that are drilled and permanently frozen in the permafrost. On Svalbard this is a common type of foundation. Both the shape of the building and its construction take into consideration the unique climate in Longyearbyen. For example, the roof sheathing is drawn all the way to the ground. This also pertains to the building's plough-like form, which directs wind over and around the building. However, this can also cause problems since the wind cannot travel under the building. As a result, snow piles up around the building.