After six construction seasons squeezed into Antarctica’s brief summer, the British Antarctic Survey’s new research support facility, the Discovery Building, is coming into operational use at the UK’s Rothera Research Station.
The two-storey, 4,500-sq-m building replaces several that had come to the end of their lives and will bring scientific and operations functions together under one roof.
Rothera is the UK’s largest Antarctic research hub. Scientists there study climate, biodiversity, and ocean science.
The international team delivering the logistically demanding project included BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, G&A Barnie Group, Turner & Townsend and Hugh Broughton Architects.
Full handover is expected during the 2025/2026 season, which typically runs between November and April.
Crews had to plan each construction season meticulously because everything down to the last bolt had to be shipped more than 9,000 miles from the UK.
Making life easier
Intended to make life easier for researchers based there year round, the Discovery Building has a new energy centre and plant room, a new operations tower, a modern medical centre, offices, storage, and a gym and climbing wall.
It generates its own power and acts as an IT hub.
The new building is part of the Survey’s Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme.
“An operational Discovery Building marks the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and innovation,” programme director Elen Jones said.
“This new facility is set to transform how we operate to enable science in the region and ensures BAS remains at the forefront of global efforts to understand and protect our changing planet.”
Huw Jones, executive director at BAM, said: “Delivering a building of this stature in such a beautiful yet demanding environment is truly remarkable. Seeing the Discovery Building come to life is a testament to the precision, planning and commitment of everyone involved.”
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