The Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station has shared an update on the construction work via its Facebook page. The project is being led by the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences and ranks among the most demanding undertakings carried out by Polish scientific institutions outside Europe. Work is currently focused on completing the building’s structure and installing systems inside.
Polish Antarctic Station – construction progress
The new facility is being built on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is one of the most accessible parts of Antarctica, yet it is subject to the strong influence of the maritime climate. Despite such adverse conditions, the building has already reached a very advanced stage of completion, particularly in terms of the external cladding. Most of the panels have been installed, and teams are finishing the installation of the final frames of the timber frame. Roofing work is also underway, with the priority being to ensure the building is fully watertight. With each passing week, the building moves closer to the closure stage, which, in such a harsh climate, is crucial for the subsequent interior finishing work.
Building in Antarctica is no easy task
There is also plenty going on inside the building. Partition walls and door frames are currently being fitted. In many rooms, the main construction work has already been completed, and some even have lighting installed. According to staff, the most advanced work relates to the ventilation system, which is about 80 per cent complete. This is particularly important for those staying at the station, as the ductwork and ventilation units have already been partially commissioned and are enabling the building to be heated. Work is also underway on the plumbing and drainage systems, including the first connections to sanitary fixtures.
Energy at the Arctowski Station
The Polish Antarctic Station is also building energy infrastructure. An energy storage facility has recently been commissioned, and is being used to test the power supply to the new building. Workers are also continuing to install photovoltaic panels on existing technical support facilities. Installations have already been completed on the generator hall, and further work is underway on the garage hall. The expansion of the solar power generation system is of immense importance for reducing the consumption of conventional fuels and increasing the station’s self-sufficiency.
The Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station
The project has been underway since 2018 during the short construction seasons that coincide with the Antarctic summer. The schedule has been subject to changes due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, which have affected supply logistics. Transporting materials requires a multi-stage operation involving a sea journey of over 14,000 km and prior trial assembly in Poland. An additional challenge is posed by extreme conditions, including strong winds, low temperatures and limited access to the site. The new station will replace the ageing buildings from the 1970s, which no longer meet modern safety and scientific research standards. The completion of this project is of fundamental importance for maintaining Poland’s year-round presence in Antarctica and conducting advanced research into the polar environment.
Source: Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station
Photos: K. Greń, Z. Komorowska
See also:Education|Recommended|Kuryłowicz | Interesting facts|whiteMAD on Instagram
