Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects – working alongside the British Antarctic Survey within the government-funded Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme with BAM, Sweco and with Ramboll and their partners, NORR and Turner and Townsend as technical advisers – the Discovery Building consolidates a wide range of specialist functions under one roof, replacing several aged structures that had reached the end of their operational life. The practice brings to the project deep experience in extreme-environment architecture, having previously delivered the award-winning Halley VI Research Station, as well as designing projects in Antarctica for the Australian Antarctic Division, Spanish Ministry of Science and Antarctica New Zealand and in the Arctic for the US National Science Foundation.
A new architectural landmark for Antarctica
The two-storey, 4,500 sqm Discovery Building is located within Rothera Research Station on Adelaide Island on the Antarctic Peninsula, the UK’s largest research facility in Antarctica. The building sets a new benchmark for resilient polar design. Its aerodynamic form, carefully oriented to the prevailing wind, features a pioneering full-building wind deflector, the first of its scale ever deployed in Antarctica. This innovation accelerates airflow down the leeward side of the building, dramatically reducing snow accumulation adjacent to the building and improving long-term operational efficiency.
The building’s pale blue envelope, inspired by the tones of the Antarctic sky, is crafted from highly insulated composite panels and triple glazing to deliver exceptional airtightness and energy performance. A panoramic control tower rises above the monopitch roof, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views across the runway, wharf and station.
A purpose-built home for science, operations and wellbeing
Internally, the Discovery Building brings together field preparation areas, workshops, medical facilities, offices, recreational spaces, a central store and critical plant services. Vibrant colours, abundant natural light and open-plan collaboration zones are designed to enhance wellbeing, support team cohesion and mitigate the effects of long polar winters.
Robust, proven technologies ensure reliability in the harsh Antarctic climate, while transparent internal glazing supports safe operation during the winter months when a small team maintains the station. Power is provided by efficient Combined Heat and Power generators. Discovery Building has water efficiency measures put in place that result in lower water consumption for sanitary fittings, taps, and showers. Usage is also reduced through the installation of a high-pressure water mist fire suppression system.
Commitment to environmental stewardship
Environmental responsibility has been central to the project. The Discovery Building has been designed and constructed in accordance with BAS sustainability policies and practices as well as a bespoke BREEAM accreditation specific to Antarctic projects. As a result, the building has high sustainability credentials and will be NERC’s first BREEAM certified project in Antarctica. Overall the modernisation significantly reduces energy consumption, ongoing maintenance requirements and snow-clearance demands, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for the station.
A new chapter for Rothera
The construction of the Discovery Building is part of a multi-year upgrade programme that began in 2018 with the expansion of Rothera’s wharf and the renewal of wider infrastructure. Completion of this landmark project positions Rothera Research Station as a centre of excellence for UK polar science and a hub for international collaboration.
Hugh Broughton, Founder of Hugh Broughton Architects, says:
“We are immensely proud to see the Discovery Building open its doors. It is a privilege to continue our work in this remote and extraordinary part of the world, which plays such a vital role in global scientific research. Designing for Antarctica demands ingenuity, resilience and collaboration, and we are delighted to have been a part of the team supporting scientists and operational teams whose work is so important for understanding our planet’s future.”
Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research, Innovation and Nuclear says:
“Antarctic research is essential to understanding how changing climate patterns could affect our planet in the years to come, from food security to flooding risk – so together, we can act.
“The UK has long been a leader in polar science and this government investment in modern, state of the art facilities will enable current and future generations of researchers to tackle shared challenges with our international partners.”
Professor Sir Ian Chapman, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation says:
“UKRI and NERC will prioritise research and innovation where the UK can lead globally and deliver maximum impact from its investments. The insights from Antarctic science inform critical decisions on climate adaptation, help protect vital industries from fisheries to agriculture, and position UK researchers and businesses at the heart of the growing green economy. By maintaining world-leading polar research capability, we’re not only advancing knowledge but driving the innovation and expertise that supports sustainable economic growth.”
Professor Louise Heathwaite, Executive Chair at NERC says:
“The completion of the Discovery Building and network of services in Rothera reflects our commitment to innovation and growth, and the resilience of the UK’s and global environmental security. Our investment allows us to continue to support talented and curious researchers, we are building understanding of our changing world so that we are better placed to face an often-uncertain future.”
Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director BAS says:
“The fantastic new Discovery Building and our programme of modernisation at Rothera offer UK and international researchers the facilities needed to enable science and operations at Rothera and in the deep field for decades to come. We’re incredibly excited to see the building come to life on our 50th anniversary. It’s been an intense period of work in the most challenging construction site in the world – I look forward to the opportunities it offers for collaborative polar science and operations in Antarctica”
