Shaped like a module, the Princess Elisabeth Research Station will be home for scientists studying the ice layer for possible answers to climate change. Wind turbines will provide most energy requirements, with backup from solar panels and unique insulation layers. Because the station is sited inland, snowmobiles and snow movers are indispensable for final transport of supplies from Europe and Latin America.
The site was chosen carefully, because of its relatively protected location close to the sweeping curve of a mountain top. The design brief specifies technical, research and storage space of about 700 square meters. It will be operational with only a small crew and have a design lifetime of 25 years minimum.
If everything works as planned, the station is expected to redefine the Antarctic building culture.
- Water waste treatment used by European space agency
- Advanced building physics
- Use of materials with minimal environmental impact
- Exclusive use of Solar & Wind power
- Use of natural snow drifts for water management
- Aerodynamic design for minimal wind resistance and thus energy use.
Location: 71۫ 57’ and 23۫ 20’.
Occupancy: 20 persons
Expected lifetime: 25 years
Total surface area: 700m2
Air temperature: -5 to -50