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Macquarie Island Research Station Modernization Project – Planning Phase

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

  • 75K

    Hectares of Nature Reserve

  • 3.5M

    Sea Birds per Year

  • Macquarie Island, Australia

    Macquarie Island, Australia

Modernizing facilities at a UNESCO World Heritage site

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

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

Jason Toh, Associate, Fire Engineering Group Leader, VIC

Understanding both the technical and practical side of fire safety systems is essential in delivering the most cost-effective solutions.
Jason Toh Associate, Fire Engineering Group Leader, VIC 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

Tim Mansfield, Associate Director, Structural Group Leader, VIC

My goal is to achieve an economical and practical design solution that allows my clients to realize their vision for the final development.
Tim Mansfield Associate Director, Structural Group Leader, VIC Read More

Cormac Kelly, Associate Director, Speciality Services Group Leader, VIC

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 Associate Director, Speciality Services Group Leader, VIC Read More

Alex Deluca

Associate, Project Manager Commercial Leader, WA

Michael Lister

Associate, Speciality Services Group Leader, WA

Jason Toh

Associate, Fire Engineering Group Leader, VIC

Erika Voges

Health, Safety, Security & Environment Advisor, Australia

Tim Mansfield

Associate Director, Structural Group Leader, VIC

Cormac Kelly

Associate Director, Speciality Services Group Leader, VIC

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