Leonardo Finotti

OBJETIVO

Alongside topographic considerations, the linear configuration reflects two key design parameters: transportation logistics and on-site assembly – two well-known challenging factors in Antarctica. Shipping the prefabricated systems from the pre-assembly lines to Antarctica is easiest when using 6m long containers, which have the additional advantage of improving on site assembly and accelerating construction speed – both essential if one considers that construction can only be executed during Summer time.
The modular construction logic based in containers cladded with a complex wrapper are supported above the ground by metallic structure anchored on shallow foundations. In morphologic terms, the building is configured as an extrusion of its cross-section based on three main design premises: thermodynamics, aerodynamics and landscape views. Mostly elevated from the soil to improve thermodynamic performance and facilitate snow sweeping by the wind, the main are cladded with an aerodynamic wrapper which reduce the horizontal forces at foundation level and on the steel structure. Given the topographic uphill, the West block is lifted in relation to the East block to address psychological well-being issues and guarantee to the transient inhabitants of the station views to the Antarctic landscape in all spaces of permanence.
Dispersed on the site at a maximum distance to the main station of 3,5 Km are the Ferraz Remote Units. Due to the weather instability and the researchers’ transit in remote areas of the Keller Peninsula, two refuges are loaded with water, food and medicines. In addition to these there are: laboratories, logistic pavilions and small hardware storages.

CONTEXTO

On February 25th, 2012, a fire destroyed 90% of the former Brazilian station. The event triggered a series of governmental actions to construct a new research facility and the Brazilian Navy, in charge of the Antarctic operation logistics section (PROANTAR), promptly launched an international architecture competition for the new station project.
Located on King George Island, between the Bransfield Strait and the Drake Passage, Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz is situated in region that represents a mayor hub for scientific research facilities from several countries.
Built on King George Island, specifically in the Keller Peninsula (a geological formation protected from strong ocean currents by the Almirantado Bay) the immediate landscape of the Ferraz Station are the Morro da Cruz´s mountain range and the Martell Cove´s waterline. Situated between the meltwater lakes from which the drinking water was extracted, and occupying an area already characterized by intense human presence, its location was strategic.
The new building footprint was informed by terrain studies (which favour an orientation parallel to facilitate installation manoeuvres within the natural declivities), and by a careful study of the environmental zoning. Occupying mostly at the Use Zones, and avoiding the occupation of the Transition and Restriction Zones, the new Ferraz Station took advantage of the original fuel tank park and helipad that remained intact after the fire, by situating itself three meters above the sea level, about forty-five meters backed off the shoreline on an imaginary parallel line to the shoreline that suggests the building linearity.