Details
Keywords Change this
Project timeline
2005 – 2012
Type
Education & Research
Location Change this
Brunt Ice ShelfAntarctica
Architect Change this
Partners Change this
Specialist servicesBillings Design
www.billingsdesign.ie/
General contractor
Galliford Try
www.gallifordtry.co.uk/
Civil enigneers
AECOM
www.aecom.com/
Halley VI Antarctic Research Station Change this
Description Change this
Halley VI is a self-sufficient scientific research base, floating on an ice shelf 900 miles from the South Pole. The hydraulically elevated ski based modules respond to annually rising snow levels and the need to relocate the base if the site calves off as an iceberg. A special central module provides a dramatic open plan social area at the heart of the station.
Halley is the most southerly research station operated by the British Antarctic Survey and is located 10,000 miles from the UK on the 150-metre thick floating Brunt Ice Shelf, which moves 400 metres per annum towards the sea. Snow levels rise by over 1 metre every year and the sun does not rise above the horizon for 105 days during winter. Temperatures drop to -56C and the site can be buffeted by winds in excess of 100 mph. Access by ship and plane is limited to a 3-month window. Materials and components required to construct the new base have to be delivered across fragile sea ice, which can fracture at any time.
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