Projects
1
(normally -10˚C to -20˚C in summer). During storms, the
wind reaches speeds of 200km/h, making outdoor activities
impossible. Furthermore, the base can only be reached
during the Antarctic summer, which is from the beginning
of December until the end of February. This meant that
planning and access for the construction teams of the
contractor, Nolitha, were limited to this summer ‘window’
of three months.
CLIENT BRIEF
2
DPW’s brief for the refurbishment of the base required, inter
alia, the following aspects.
The base had to remain fully operational during the
refurbishment process. The existing power, water, heating,
and effluent systems could not be switched off for more than a
day without seriously impacting on the day to day operations
of the base (and risk freezing up). Also, it was crucial that
the base remained operational to enable the Department of
Environmental Affairs’ (DEA’s) scientific teams to continue with
their research programmes.
Energy-saving measures had to be implemented — this
required that systems be designed using the latest available
technology. The requirement for energy-saving measures
is critical, as the transport of annual residence teams,
1.
2.
3.
4.
New plant room – preparation of the floor.
Some arctic humour …
BEFORE: The original plant room – pipes and pumps.
West loading platform in lowered position.
3
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RACA Journal I January 2019
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