SIP Phase II Research Center Cape Shirreff Antartica

Location: Antarctica

Previous Next

The Antarctic Ecosystems Research Division of NOAA Fisheries conducts scientific research on the population dynamics, behavior, diet, and survival of Antarctic seabirds and pinnipeds on Livingston Island in Antarctica. After 20 years in the harsh Antarctic climate, their modest research facility fell into disrepair and required replacement.

The Antarctic Ecosystems Research Division of NOAA Fisheries is committed to advancing scientific knowledge on the population dynamics, behavior, diet, and survival of Antarctic seabirds and pinnipeds on Livingston Island, Antarctica. After 20 years of enduring the harsh Antarctic climate, their research facility required a replacement, leading to the conception of the 2,000 sq. ft. Holt Watters Field Camp.

Comprising three main buildings and a fourth remote penguin research facility, this new campus will enable NOAA Fisheries to continue its long-term, science-based, ecosystem-focused management approaches in the Southern Ocean, providing essential data to the global scientific community.

Specifications:

SIP Wall Thickness and Core Material: 6.5"
SIP Roof Thickness and Core Material: 10.25"

Given the remoteness of the field station, only accessible by zodiac, a pre-fabricated, lightweight, highly insulated, and nearly maintenance-free building solution was imperative. SIP construction met these requirements, allowing for offsite fabrication and reassembly in less than two months during Antarctica’s austral summer. The flat-packed components, no larger than 1’x4’x16’, were designed to fit on zodiacs and be light enough for four people to lift.

The offset gable roofs of the two main buildings are designed to collect rainfall, the sole water source for scientists. A long, thin building behind the main structures acts as a wind fence, preventing snow accumulation in the courtyard and housing the PV array, which provides the camp's only power source. Due to its remote location, the building could not be certified as LEED. The HVAC system features an HRV with in-line electric heaters, ensuring the structure can run entirely off-grid and dehumidify the air, crucial given its ocean proximity.

The maintenance-free facade is achieved with light-interfering color stainless steel cladding and roofing, complemented by triple-pane windows and water-resistant Meranti plywood interior. The camp’s energy efficiency is further enhanced by LED lighting, an in-line on-demand HWH at the shower, and a fully off-grid power system comprising a solar array and wind generation. The campus is powered by a wind generator and a 21-panel PV array with battery backup.

Emphasizing sustainability, the interior features all Low-VOC Oddie's oil and no paint, with 75% minimum recycled content stainless steel cladding and roofing. This state-of-the-art facility ensures that NOAA Fisheries can continue its vital research in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.

Affiliated Members

Back