As the 2024/25 Antarctic construction season comes to a close, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) marks a crucial milestone in the modernisation of Rothera Research Station, as the Discovery Building comes into operational use. A statement of scientific intent, the building signals a new era in how BAS delivers polar science in the region, as it enters the final phase of construction before the formal handover during the 2025/26 season.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of the government funded Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the Discovery Building - representing a significant investment in future polar science - is now generating its own power and water and distributing these essential services across Rothera. Its efficient systems are designed to reduce fossil fuel use on station by 25%, and with new solar technologies, it's set to become NERC's first BREEAM-certified project in Antarctica, a globally recognised mark of sustainability standards.
Elen Jones, AIMP Programme Director, said: The Discovery Building isn't just a new facility, it is a step change in how we operate and live at Rothera, acting as the beating heart of the station. Bringing the building into use before the end of the season is a major achievement and positions us strongly for the next phase of scientific discovery and sustainable operations in Antarctica. It's with thanks to our teams around BAS and our partners BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, G&A Barnie Group, Turner & Townsend and Hugh Broughton Architects that we have been able to make this milestone happen.
Preparing for the Antarctic winter
As the harsh winter settles over Adelaide Island, a core BAS team remains on station alongside three key construction team members - an electrician, a plumber, and an interior decorator - to continue final preparations ahead of the official handover later this year.
Work over the coming months includes painting, glazing, and finishing other areas of the building. These touches are essential to ensure a seamless transition to full operational use. With smarter building systems, modern shared spaces and improved amenities, the Discovery Building is already making daily routines easier and more efficient. For instance, the team will manage supplies digitally within the new central stores; electronically cataloguing, labelling and boxing equipment so it's instantly identifiable and easy to find and monitor stock.
David Brand, Senior Project Manager, Rothera Modernisation Project said: It's remarkable to see that transition from construction to occupation in such an unforgiving environment. The teams on the ground have shown tremendous resilience and skill to bring the Discovery Building to life - it is infrastructure delivery at its most challenging but most rewarding.
Honouring Rothera's past while building its future
While the Discovery Building is undeniably forward-looking, it also pays tribute to the station's remarkable history. Items from Rothera's older buildings, some dating back to the 1970s, will be preserved before deconstruction begins in the next summer season. These legacy structures, including the original generator shed and polar operations offices, have reached the end of their operational life.
Salvaged heritage items will feature on the Discovery Building's bespoke "heritage wall", offering current and future station teams a tangible connection to Rothera's early days. Among the preserved pieces are sled dog memorabilia, hand-annotated diagrams and the iconic scratched door that once guarded the pup kennels; all of which are a testament to a different era of survival and exploration.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season
When the Antarctic summer returns from October onwards, a leaner construction team than the previous season will finalise work in confined spaces while allowing the BAS teams to increase daily operations in the building. Meanwhile, a dedicated crew of 12 specialists will begin the careful, environmentally-managed dismantling of the six outdated structures. BAS are exploring whether it is possible to reuse any of the deconstructed materials at Rothera and will remove all waste and return it to the UK to comply with environmental legislation.
David Brand concluded: The Discovery Building is more than the sum of its parts. It's reshaping how we manage science, logistics, and station life. The integration and efficiency we are seeing now will only grow in seasons to come.
