The Heated Threshold
This pattern is shaped by
Problem
In cold climates, the transition from outdoors to indoors is an assault — a blast of cold air, a floor covered in slush, boots to remove, coats to hang, fingers too numb to manage zippers. When the entrance sequence doesn't account for winter, arriving home is something you survive rather than enjoy.
Evidence and Discussion
The vestibule — the thermal airlock between winter and home — is the single most important cold-climate design element. It needs: radiant floor heat to melt snow from boots, a bench for sitting while removing footwear, hooks and storage for coats and gear, a drain for meltwater, and enough space for two people in full winter clothing.
Therefore
in every cold-climate dwelling, design the entrance as a heated threshold — a vestibule of at least 3 square meters with radiant floor heat, a bench, storage for coats and boots (at least 1 meter of hanging space per occupant), a floor drain, and a door to the interior that can be closed while the exterior door is open. The vestibule is not a hallway — it is a room with a purpose: the room where winter ends and home begins.