UK architect appointed to refurb Australia

UK-based architecture practice Hugh Broughton Architects has been appointed to deliver architectural designs for "critical infrastructure works" to revitalise Australia's Antarctic research stations over the next decade.

A media release from Hugh Broughton Architects notes that the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program (AIRP), which is an initiative of the federal government's Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), marks the most significant investment in the renewal of Australia's Antarctic infrastructure since the 1980s.

As part of the AIRP, the UK practice will work with an alliance of contractors and design consultants, including Bouygues Construction, Mott MacDonald and Stantec. Hugh Broughton Architects' involvement in the project builds on their prior experience delivering infrastructure for the British Antarctic Survey, such as the Halley VI research station and the modernisation of Rothera Research Station.

Director Hugh Broughton said that the AIRP "demonstrates Australia's commitment to Antarctic science through an innovative and sustainable approach which will provide a benchmark for efficient, modular construction," and that he was "look[ing] forward to a highly collaborative process to meet the challenges of the most extreme environment on the planet."

The first project in the AIRP includes a $251 million works package at Davis Station, Australia's most southerly Antarctic station, established approximately 20 kilometres inland from the edge of the continental ice sheet in East Antarctica in 1957.

A major focus of the project is the design of a new utility building containing a vehicle workshop, main powerhouse trades workshops, engineering offices, stores and associated plant.

According to Hugh Broughton Architects' communique, their "aerodynamic design has been developed with a 'kit-of-parts' approach, enabling future buildings to utilise similar components in a drive to increase efficiency, simplify construction and ease maintenance."

Additional upgrades across the site include removal of asbestos from the existing trades workshop, replacement of water production systems and overhaul of reticulated services, and the decommissioning and removal of legacy infrastructure.

Hugh Broughton Architects began working with AAD in 2020, starting with the development of a staged masterplan for Davis Station and studies for the renewal of aviation facilities at Wilkins Aerodrome, Davis Plateau and Casey Station. The practice is also developing masterplans for Casey and Mawson Stations.

The AAD's director of infrastructure delivery Matt Wuersching commented, "It's been great to see the work developed in the masterplan - that Hugh Broughton Architects has been part of - be the basis for this initial package of works under the alliance agreement.

"The Antarctic environment brings many unique challenges to everything that we do. We're looking forward to getting started on the delivery of this critical work."

Works at Davis Station are slated to commence on site at the end of next year, with works due for completion by 2032.