The new structure will provide a workplace and home to scientists for periods of up to 13 months at a time and is designed to support health and wellbeing without compromising on safety.

As the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on the planet, the environment will place extreme forces on the future building, the ramifications of which have played a significant role in the design. Unlike the existing buildings, the new structures will be elevated above the ground to reduce the accumulation of snow at the base of the buildings. Curved forms allow prevailing winds, which can reach 180km/hr, to flow efficiently around the buildings and minimise wind resistance. Similarly, the triple glazed windows have rounded corners to reduce the risk of stress fractures caused by the elements.

With $344M in government funding secured in 2021, a strong cultural identity embedded throughout the design of the building, and documentation for the new science facility and support infrastructure well progressed, the project was tendered for its final delivery phases. Antarctica New Zealand, supported by Hugh Broughton Architects, WSP, Steensen Varming and main contractor Leighs Construction are finalising the detailed design and delivery to meet the 2028 completion target.