The upgrade will focus on enhancing the science capabilities that are able to be conducted in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The two-level 1800m² logistics facility will introduce high quality on-site science facilities that will prolong the time available for scientific analysis on the ice out to the full 12 months of each year.
The privately owned builder, Leighs Construction, was awarded the contract but, given the remoteness of the location, space and limited logistical movements to and from Antarctica, Rondo was given the challenge to supply a minimal number of inventory lines yet sufficient to ensure that adequate material was supplied to the site. A simple phone call to Rondo to supply another bundle of Furring Channel, for example, was impossible.
The Rondo New Zealand team offered easy, efficient access to all products by providing a ‘one stop shop’ for all of the projects internal framing needs. In order to meet the design specifications, Rondo supplied Steel Stud Framing Systems, KEY-LOCK® Concealed Suspended Ceiling Systems, EXANGLE® Finishing Sections and PANTHER® Access Panels for the internal walls and ceilings.
This upgrade included three new on site laboratories, mobile container laboratories, double the field deployment preparation area, increased freezer space for holding field samples, a workstation area for up to 15 people, three meeting rooms and a breakout space for cross fertilisation, of the academic kind, within the Antarctic science community. The increased capacity for the specialised external laboratories and other facilities will help boost the capacity for effective science exploration in Antarctica going forward.