We are providing architectural design services for the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program (AIRP), under a formal engagement by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
As part of the AIRP, we are working with the Antarctic Infrastructure (AIR) Alliance to deliver the architectural design for critical infrastructure works, beginning with the Davis Critical Infrastructure Works project. The AIR Alliance brings together world-class construction contractors, design consultants and the AAD to collaboratively deliver this complex and remote infrastructure program. Alongside the AAD, the other members of the Alliance are Bouygues Construction, Mott McDonald and Stantec.
The AIRP represents a landmark initiative by the Australian Government to revitalise the nation’s Antarctic research stations and infrastructure over the next decade, subject to rigorous environmental approvals. This generational investment marks the most significant renewal effort since the 1980s and underscores Australia's ongoing commitment to supporting world-class scientific research and environmental stewardship in East Antarctica.
Davis is the most southerly Australian Antarctic station. It is situated in the Vestfold Hills, on the Ingrid Christensen Coast of Princess Elizabeth Land. The station is about 20 km from the edge of the continental ice sheet.
Works at Davis station commenced at the end of 2025 and will be completed by mid-2030. The centre piece of the Davis Critical Infrastructure Works will be a three-storey utility building containing a vehicle workshop, the main powerhouse, trades workshops, engineering offices, stores, future recreation spaces and associated plant. The 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.
The steel framed building is ground based to enable vehicular access and oriented in line with the prevailing wind to reduce snow management effort.
Other works include the replacement of water production systems including a pump house next to the sea, the refurbishment of the existing trades workshop, the overhaul of site-wide services reticulation and the decommissioning and removal of legacy infrastructure.
These upgrades will ensure Davis station can continue to support full operational capacity while enhancing safety, sustainability and efficiency in one of the planet’s most extreme environments.
We started working with the AAD in 2020 with the development of a staged strategic masterplan for Davis station and studies for the renewal of aviation facilities at Wilkins Aerodrome, Davis Plateau Ski Landing Area and Casey station Ski Landing Area. The design for these facilities is based on elevated prefabricated modular inter-connected structures.
