Lab in a cold climate [Antarctic research station replacement building]

Halley VI, the British Antarctic Survey next-generation research station on the Brunt Ice Shelf, will take portable building technology to the limit. Antarctica is one of the most challenging parts of the world to design buildings for. Constructions have to be extremely tough and easy to maintain, whilst providing a stimulating environment for the small, isolated communities that make this inhospitable continent their temporary home. This article outlines a competition launched to design a new building to replace the existing Halley V research station. It describes the environmental and technical challenges along with possible design solutions.