Modular buildings resistant to cold and frost: protect your activity in winter
When temperatures drop and frost intensifies, many industrial, logistics and sports businesses face a recurring problem: how to maintain their activity without the cold affecting their stock, machinery or indoor comfort.
For many sectors, stopping production is not an option. That is why more and more companies are looking for quick, resistant, and energy-efficient solutions to protect their facilities in winter. Among these solutions, modular buildings resistant to cold and snow are prepared for low temperatures and have become a versatile, efficient alternative with excellent value for money.
In this article, we analyze how Okatent’s modular buildings resistant to cold and snow are specifically designed to withstand extreme cold, continuous snowfall, wind, and condensation, maintaining a stable, safe, and comfortable interior.
The problem of cold in winter and the modular solution
During the coldest months, temperatures can remain below zero for long periods. This causes material freezing, heat loss, condensation that damages the interior, and a significant increase in heating energy costs.
Faced with this challenge, modular buildings with thermal insulation and structural resistance specifically designed for snow have become a quick and effective solution. They protect machinery and goods, keep production processes active, or provide a comfortable environment for workers and athletes.
Unlike other traditional constructions, Okatent’s modular buildings can be installed in a matter of weeks, expanded or adapted with ease, and are designed to perform in winter without compromising safety.
What exactly is a modular building and how does it work
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a modular building is a prefabricated structure made up of a modular frame of portal structures and a tensioned membrane roof or technical cladding. Its design allows it to be assembled and dismantled quickly, expanded if necessary, and adapted to multiple uses: industry, sports, logistics, temporary storage, or events.
Its operation consists of combining a light but robust structure (usually aluminum or steel) with an insulating envelope that protects the interior from wind, cold, humidity, and snow. This makes it an especially suitable option for cold climates, as the structure is engineered according to snow regulations and the envelope incorporates specific thermal solutions.
Modular buildings resistant to cold and snow: high-efficiency thermal systems
One of the keys to resisting winter is insulation. At Okatent, we use different systems that help maintain interior temperature and prevent condensation even in extreme climatic conditions. Cold-climate modular buildings combine the high-efficiency OKCAS roof with rock wool sandwich panel sidewalls.
OKCAS Roof: double membrane with air chamber for maximum insulation
The OKCAS roof (Okatent Climate Air System) is specifically designed for cold climates. It consists of two tensioned membranes that create an internal air chamber, improving thermal insulation and preventing heat loss. This chamber acts as a natural barrier against the cold while also reducing condensation.
The roof maintains permanent tension, preventing the formation of snow pockets and ensuring uniform performance throughout the winter.
OKCAS Fiber: reinforced version for extreme temperatures
For projects requiring an even higher level of insulation, the OKCAS Fiber version adds an internal fiber layer between the membranes. This fiber increases thermal resistance and provides acoustic improvements, especially useful in sports halls or buildings near urban areas.
Sidewalls with rock wool sandwich panels
The sidewalls can be closed with rock wool sandwich panels, a material widely used in industry for its excellent thermal and acoustic performance.
Rock wool retains heat, withstands extreme temperatures without deforming, and offers uniform insulation. In addition, its internal structure reduces reverberation and improves interior comfort.
Discover here the role of acoustic enclosures with rock wool sandwich panels in ensuring thermal comfort, sound insulation, and fire resistance in modular pavilions.
How modular buildings withstand snow loads and extreme cold
In winter, insulation is not the only important factor: the structure must also withstand high loads from accumulated snow and resist deformation caused by intense cold.
Okatent buildings are engineered to comply with local snow regulations in each country, adapting to the required level for the region. In locations where snow loads are especially high, the structure is reinforced with:
- Arches and slopes designed to help snow slide off
- Additional reinforcements in strategic points
- Permanent membrane tensioning to avoid pockets and build-ups
- Optional roof pressurization in advanced models
The goal is to ensure structural stability and safety even during intense or prolonged snowfall.
Materials designed to perform in winter
Performance in cold conditions depends not only on design but also on the materials used. The buildings we design at Okatent incorporate fiber, rock wool, and air chambers — the three most efficient systems for stopping the cold.
- Textile fiber provides constant thermal resistance and helps maintain stable interior temperature.
- Rock wool creates a robust barrier with excellent performance against humidity and ice.
- Air chambers are a highly effective form of insulation without adding weight to the structure.
This combination makes the buildings suitable for industrial warehouses, sports facilities, and logistics areas in winter.
How we prevent deformation caused by the weight of snow or freezing
One of the main challenges for any structure in cold climates is preventing snow weight from causing deformation. To achieve this, we use optimized arch geometries with slopes designed to facilitate natural snow slide-off.
The constant membrane tension prevents pockets that could accumulate weight. In projects located in areas with heavy snowfall, additional reinforcements and specific engineering systems are incorporated to ensure the structure remains stable and functional throughout the winter.
Monitoring systems can also be added to control tension or overload preventively.
Examples installed in areas with extreme cold
At Okatent, we have multiple projects installed in regions with harsh winters, where snow and sub-zero temperatures are common for several months.
Among the most representative cases are installations in Denmark, several buildings in Switzerland (Dietikon, Birrhard, Weinfelden, Collombey), modular structures in Andorra, and pavilions located in Alpine or pre-Alpine regions.
These projects demonstrate the ability of modular buildings to perform under extreme conditions without compromising safety, comfort, or thermal efficiency.
Recommended maintenance during winter
Although the buildings are designed to withstand snow and intense cold, proper maintenance helps maximize their lifespan and performance. During the cold season, it is advisable to:
- Regularly check membrane and cable tension
- Monitor accumulations in exceptional heavy snowfall
- Inspect the structure and anchors before and after winter
This maintenance is simple and fast compared to rigid traditional buildings, reducing operational costs.
Advantages over other modular solutions in cold climates
Okatent’s modular buildings present significant advantages over conventional alternatives when working in winter:
- Fast installation even in adverse climates
- Insulation systems (OKCAS or OKCAS Fiber)
- Structures engineered according to snow regulations
- Aluminum/steel combination offering lightness and high resistance
- Minimal and very simple maintenance
- Possibility of future expansion, relocation, or adaptation
The result is a flexible, efficient, and reliable solution for any company needing to protect their activity during the coldest months.
Accessories that improve thermal comfort
For specific needs, the buildings can be equipped with additional systems that further enhance thermal performance. These include:
- Integral heating adapted to interior volume
- Radiant flooring for greater comfort in sports or work activities
- Fast automatic doors that reduce heat loss
- Ventilation systems with heat recovery
- Integration of solar panels to improve overall energy efficiency
These systems allow the building to be adapted for industrial, logistics, or sports uses without compromising energy costs.
Comparison table
| Characteristics | Standard building | Building prepared for low temperatures |
|---|---|---|
Roof |
Single membrane | OKCAS or OKCAS Fiber system with air chamber
|
Sidewalls |
Simple panels | Rock wool sandwich panel |
Thermal insulation |
Low – medium | Hight / Very high |
Snow resistance |
Limited | Engineered acoording to local regulations |
Condensation |
Frequent | Minimal thanks to the air chamber |
Acoustic performance |
Standard | Improved with fiber and rock wool |
Adaptation to extreme climates |
Not recommended | Recommended for snow and extreme cold |
Energy efficiency |
Higher consumption | Optimized thanks to insulation |
Modular buildings resistant to cold and snow are an essential solution for companies and clubs that need to protect their activity during winter. Thanks to systems such as OKCAS, OKCAS Fiber, and rock wool cladding, these structures offer excellent insulation, reduce condensation, and ensure comfort even in extreme conditions.
Their ability to be engineered according to snow regulations, along with fast installation, simple maintenance, and flexibility, makes these buildings a safe, efficient, and cost-effective option for any project in cold climates.
If you need personalized advice or want more information about our insulation systems, contact our technical team who will help you configure the most suitable solution for your project.
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