Antarctica's Latest Innovative Research Facility
Fitted with Antarctica's largest wind deflector, an octagonal operation tower with sweeping views of station buildings, the wharf, and the runway, the UK’s Antarctic Rothera Research Station’s newest Discovery Building is on track to be completed in 2025 to replace several aging infrastructures.
The research center is home to scientists studying climate change, ocean science, and biodiversity.
Using a full-scale model in the UK as a guide, each material is shipped from the UK to Antarctica to be built.
The Discovery Building will stand as a 90-meter-long amalgamation of science and operations in one 4,5000-square-meter facility.
The project team includes Sweco and Hugh Broughton Architects as the design consultants, Ramboll as the technical advisors, Norr Architects as the concept designer, BAM as the construction partner, Turner & Townsend for cost and commercial advice, and fire consultancy from OFR.
Using an interior end-to-end corridor design the structure will limit building access to mitigate heat loss, utilize colors to indicate building sections, install transparent glazed screens for increased visibility between spaces, and incorporate a modular design for evolving future needs.
The building will also be fitted with a medical center, workshops, operation hubs, offices, and a central store to serve equipment, and cargo, and provide access to the building for researchers.
There will also be an energy center and plant room to conserve heat, provide water, and distribute power and fire suppression pumps.
Wellness amenities include a gym, music center, breakout areas, and an arts and crafts facility.
The design also aims to achieve net zero with a thermally efficient building envelope, photovoltaic solar panels, triple glazing, and combined heat and power to cut the station’s carbon emissions by 25 percent.
Constructed in the ebb and flow of the seasons of Antarctica, the team of approximately 54 people will resume building season in November on Adelaide Island.
