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Developing engineering strategies to demonstrate the feasibility of research station upgrades on a remote island

At a Glance

  • 75K

    Hectares of Nature Reserve

  • 3.5M

    Sea Birds per Year

Location
Macquarie Island, Australia
Offices
Architect
IDW Architects

Macquarie Island Research Station Modernization Project – Planning Phase

Located halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica, Macquarie Island Research Station sits on a UNESCO World Heritage site, ideally positioned for weather monitoring and climatic data collection. When the Australian Federal Government committed $50 million to secure the future of the island, we were there to help.

Our job was to create new buildings and decommission an old structure on this remote island with minimal personnel, limited access, and equipment—while producing little to zero waste. To make this happen, our buildings engineering consultants provided full services for the planning phase of this research station modernization. Every aspect of the redesign was fully considered: transportation, constructability, weather resilience, functionality, comfort, accessibility, and energy efficiency. A logistics-forward approach was crucial to identify costs and programmed for a feasible strategy. Our proposed solution adopted modular technology, providing a robust series of ‘flat pack’ minimal waste buildings capable of easy assembly.

We were able to identify a strategy that managed the interface between wildlife, people, vehicles, and aircraft in close proximity. Upon completion, the station will be upgraded to ensure it can maintain year-round operation while keeping expeditioners safe and comfortable.

At a Glance

  • 75K

    Hectares of Nature Reserve

  • 3.5M

    Sea Birds per Year

Location
Macquarie Island, Australia
Offices
Architect
IDW Architects

Meet Our Team

Alex Deluca, Associate, Project Manager Commercial Leader, WA

Every job is unique; I like to identify the best strategy to suit the structure, budget, and program while preserving architectural intent.
Alex Deluca Associate, Project Manager Commercial Leader, WA Read More

Michael Lister, Associate, Speciality Services Group Leader, WA

Involved from start to finish, I enjoy seeing our projects shape the landscape of Western Australia to enhance the communities they serve.
Michael Lister Associate, Speciality Services Group Leader, WA Read More

Erika Voges, Health, Safety, Security & Environment Advisor, Australia

As the Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Advisor within Australia, she promotes healthy collaborative and safe environments for staff.
Erika Voges Health, Safety, Security & Environment Advisor, Australia Read More

Cormac Kelly, Director, Specialty Services Group Leader, Victoria

My aim is to understand the occupant’s needs and develop an environment that meets those needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Cormac Kelly Director, Specialty Services Group Leader, Victoria Read More

Alex Deluca

Associate, Project Manager Commercial Leader, WA

Michael Lister

Associate, Speciality Services Group Leader, WA

Erika Voges

Health, Safety, Security & Environment Advisor, Australia

Cormac Kelly

Director, Specialty Services Group Leader, Victoria

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