Holt Watters Field Camp

Photo Credit: Rick Sommerfeld

The Antarctic Ecosystems Research Division of NOAA Fisheries conducts scientific research on the population dynamics, behavior, diet and survival of Antarctic seabirds and pinnipeds on Livingston Island in Antarctica. After 20 years in the harsh Antarctic climate, their modest research facility fell into disrepair and required replacement. That’s where this team came in to replace the deteriorating structures of the old camp. The project helped add more usable space to the facility than the previous one. Three buildings comprised the main campus, the forth, a remote penguin research facility, is a short mile hike away.

A Unique Environment with Unique Challenges

The remoteness of the field station, which is only accessible by zodiac (a small rubber boat with a single motor) after crossing the Drake Passage on a steamer ship, required a pre-fabricated, lightweight, highly insulated and nearly maintenance-free building solution. One that could be test built offsite and reassembled in less than two months during Antarctica’s austral summer. The flatpacked building components were required to be no larger than 1’x4’x16′ to fit on zodiacs and light enough to be lifted by no more than four people. All construction also needed to be completed while scientists continued to perform world-class experiments at, and around, the build site.

During one trip transporting materials, the boat capsized, dumping the crew and its contents into the ocean. Fortunately, the crew was able to swim safely to shore. Through the ingenuity of the on-site staff, the material was salvaged and the boat was recovered. The team worked through the unique challenges this project posed, and through thorough planning and preparation, were able to bring this facility together.

Design-Build Team

Photos