COMANDANTE

FERRAZ ANTARCTIC
RESEARCH STATION
ARCH1: STUDIO 41
On february 25th ,2012 the Comandante   Ferraz Antarctic Research Station
was destroyed due to an explosion which occurred in the machine room,
taking the lives of two soldiers. An international competition was then
launched, calling architects to propose their vision to rebuild the facility and
Estudio 41’s proposal being selected for realization at its keller peninsula
site.
The new building takes into consideration the challenges of supporting
technological performance in such extreme climates, while still considering
its aesthetics, offering a comfortable and secure work space. Bearlng in
mind the topography of its site, the architects developed a volume which
conserves the wildlife which surrounds it, minimizing impacts on the
animals and plant life living in the immediate environment.
The design divides the station into two core blocks which are organized
based on their functions. The upper block at +9.10 (above grade), houses
living quarters, cabins, dining and service areas. The lower block situated
a +5.95 integrates the central work spaces, accommodating thet
laboratories, as well as the operation and maintenance zones. At the level
of +2.50, one finds the central barn and garages. At +5.95, a structure
intersects the three programs as a communal place of social interaction and
gathering, established by an auditorium, cyber caf6, library, meeting and
video conferencing room. in context to its environment.
With such intense weather conditions experienced in this area, the exterior
will be clad in a steel that is highly resistant to corrosion and cold climates
of the region. These prefabricated components will be arranged in a
continuous section to maintain a streamlined look. The metal structure
supporting the floors will consist of trusses that are positioned along a grid,
modulated in 600 1200 cm panels also available prefabricated for easy
transportation to the site. The additional braces that hold up the roofs and
walls will stand as latticed vertical structures which are placed at a
maximum of 12 meters apart. All of the buildings are set to be placed on
top of columns which can be adjusted, based on the environmental changes
caused by temperature variation which results in periods of thawing.