){kind=small}
)
Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station
Project overview
Developed under the BELARE 2007–2008 programme led by explorer Alain Hubert, the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station represents a landmark in sustainable polar infrastructure. Designed as a high‑performance, energy‑autonomous building, it supports scientific research during the southern summer seasons. Constructed between 2007 and 2009, the station has become an international reference for sustainable design in extreme environments, attracting interest from organisations such as NASA and ESA.
Scope of works
BESIX played a key role in the construction of the Princess Elisabeth station, acting as an industrial, financial and technical sponsor partner, while ensuring project management and coordination of the works, both in Belgium and in Antarctica. The company was also actively involved on site, providing technical solutions tailored to a particularly demanding environment.
The construction was carried out in two main phases: a full-scale pre-assembly in Brussels, allowing the validation of technical choices and the development of the construction method, followed by dismantling and transport to Antarctica for rapid on-site assembly over two summer campaigns, despite extreme conditions.
Key highlights
First zero‑emission research station in Antarctica
Energy‑autonomous design with efficient resource use and water recycling
Designed to operate in extreme polar climatic conditions
Off‑site prefabrication, pre-assembly testing in Belgium
Fast‑track on‑site construction during limited summer window
Recognised international reference project for future polar and space missions
)
