Scott Base Works

All the odds were stacked against Leighs Construction when they undertook to build the Hillary Field Centre and Arrival Heights Observation Laboratory in the remote, cold and inhospitable Antarctic environment. These were vastly complex construction projects which required innovative and new ways of working to enable them to proceed under demanding budgetary conditions.

As the first private organisation to design and build for the New Zealand Government on the ice, Leighs Construction was under considerable pressure to ensure these projects' success. With military-precision planning, Leighs prefabricated the 650 tonnes of pre-cast concrete and 150 tonnes of structural steel, getting it on board the annual supply ship to the ice, along with 3000sqm of insulated panels and a vast array of building services to control the internal environment.

The team completed construction 22 days ahead of schedule.

It won a hat trick of industry awards for the project, including the New Zealand Institute of Building's Supreme Award, leading to the company winning contracts for a further three projects in Antarctica.

“Leighs Construction have done a wonderful job, and made us very proud to work with you on such a challenging project.” Lou Sanson, CEO, Antarctica New Zealand.