The pioneering structure raises up on hydraulic legs to cope with build-ups of snow and ice.

The buildings can be relocated inland when conditions get too grim and the complex has been compared to a walking “centipede”.

Galliford Try worked in partnership with technical teams from British Antarctic Survey to build the centre with construction carried out during four Antarctic summers – each build season lasting just nine weeks.

Construction teams worked round the clock in freezing conditions to complete this extreme challenge.

The new research station replaces the 20-year old Halley V facility and is the sixth to be built on the floating Brunt Ice Shelf.

It was designed by Hugh Broughton Architects in conjunction with AECOM.

UK Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts said: “The new Halley Research Station is a triumph of British design, innovation and engineering.”