The Halley VI Antarctic research station, which opens this week, was built with the harsh conditions in mind. The most southerly research station operated by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will be home to more than 50 scientists.
Hugh Broughton Architects' competition-winning design for the self-sufficient base includes hydraulically elevated ski-based modules. These respond to annually rising snow levels and the need to relocate the base if the site were to separate off as an iceberg.
Rather than struggling as a fixed structure, the base can use these legs on skis to lift above the ground and also be towed to a new location if required, Engadget reports.
The Halley VI features eight connected modules, made up of labs and living spaces, with a central module that provides an open plan social area at the heart of the station. This larger, red module features a climbing wall, a salad garden, specially-designed shades and lamps with daylight bulbs that simulate sunrise.
This article originally published at PSFK here