Czech research station in Antarctica

Project idea

The work is focused on the building for the work of the polar expedition, which deals with the study of the ecosystems in Antarctica. It is about creating an optimal spatial solution and working conditions for 30 expedition researchers and service workers in extreme conditions.

Project description

In recent years, states have been struggling to build a more spectacular station on the fourth largest continent. Antarctic stations have become the equivalent of embassies on ice.

The aim of this concept is to create an object, maintain a minimum energy intensity and also minimize environmental burden. The guiding principles for station design were:
-building sufficient facilities for work, science, technology, relaxation, hygiene and catering
-minimize the risk of fire or accident
-suitable building materials (especially in terms of thermal insulation and corrosion resistance)
-ecological power generation (sun and wind)

The station will be equipped with a sophisticated system of alternative energy sources, which make the diesel generator a completely substitute source. This makes the ecological footprint of human activity almost negligible. In addition, the amount of obtained electricity will allow the expedition to stay all year round.

The architectural solution of the object is to resemble a floating into an unknown ship. The upper part of the building has glazed walls for several reasons. First, from an aerodynamic point of view, it will significantly reduce wind loads, and secondly, it will create an angle for the effective impact of sunlight on photovoltaic façade panels. A prominent feature of the entire composition is the supporting pillar, which is a reference to the genetic information double helix. A reminder of the founder of the genetics, whose name bears the first Czech scientific station in Antarctica.

Technical information

The construction of the building consists of a prefabricated steel frame skeleton. The whole structure is divided into structural sections in a single module.
The first floor is covered with metal panels. The insulated second floor stands on a steel leg of an organic shape, which only reaches into the soil at two points. It has a double facade with a ventilated air gap. Due to frameless photovoltaic panels in combination with the black toned glass, which is located in front of the windows, the facade has the effect of a glass monolith in which the surrounding landscape is reflected.