International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development ISSN:2093-761X(Print) 2093-7628(Online)

In the atypical context of Antarctica to the correct selection of more sustainable and efficient materials, it must be considered the specific environmental conditions of the region. Among them, there are the climatic characteristics (low absolute moisture content, low temperatures, high wind speeds, and rapid climate changes), the isolation and the need to preserve the natural environment. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal performance and energy efficiency of new buildings of the EACF - Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz (Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station), expected to be completed and opened in 2018, to establish parameters for acquiring new Brazilian buildings in Antarctica. To obtain the performance results from the station it was used the software Design Builder, and the study was conducted in two stages, at the first stage was made the definition of the model, the characteristics and material properties specified in the project; and in the second stage was made simulations and determined the methodology for evaluations. For the simulations were chosen an environment with greater exposure, with two faces turned to the envelope of the building. The results demonstrated the envelope performance of the building, allowing assess the materials used, pointing out possible improvements. Alternatively it was proposed to replace the galvanized steel coating specified for the envelope, for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), material that showed better results regarding the thermal performance and sustainability indicators.