When recent ice storms drove millions of Mid-Atlantic residents inside, Maryland teenagers Adeline Sutich and Maeve Ritchotte braved the elements instead. In front of a neighborhood home that burned down a few months ago, the friends built an igloo – one homemade ice brick at a time.

Why? To “create unity in the community and bring people together.” To show “how things can be rebuilt,” even after great challenges. Their neighbors loved sitting at the ice table and chairs inside. People even signed the guest book!

Meet the teen duo and see their creative community-building project!

(Photo/Adeline Sutich and Maeve Ritchotte)