Amundsen-Scott Research station

The Economist has a great article about the recently completed Amundsen-Scott research station. The station is America’s main research station in Antarctica.
Permanent buildings in Antarctica have a tendency to become unusable after a short period of time. The reason is snow buildup. Any permanent structure is slowly buried under snow drifts as the years go by. The latest structure was built on steel pilings and was specifically designed to channel winds under the building to keep snow from accumulating as quickly. It can also raise itself off the ground on hydraulic lifts, once the snow begins to accumulate.

Economist: Snow place like home
Also, check out the Wikipedia page on the station and it’s history: Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station