Antarctica21 opens private club for sail and cruise travelers

Explorers House is a first-of-its-kind facility for passengers preparing to fly to Antarctica, skipping the Drake Passage to join their ship in Antarctica. With amenities that include a restaurant, bar, coffee station, library and presentation space, it functions as an Antarctic-themed private club, providing a place to relax, meet fellow travelers and attend pre-departure briefings.

During the austral summer, this port city on the Strait of Magellan gets very busy as adventurers on their way to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn and Antarctica fill hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Before Explorers House, Antarctica21 travelers competed for access to the city’s limited resources. Now, they have a private gathering space where they’re greeted by members of the Antarctica21 team and experience the same service standard they receive aboard the company’s ships, Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova.

'As Antarctica21 grew, we began thinking of a space in Punta Arenas where we could welcome our guests in a way that matched the feeling and elegance they would experience on our ships in Antarctica. That’s how we decided to create a space of our own,' said Jaime Vásquez, co-founder and president of Antarctica21.

Historic former wool warehouse

Explorers House is a former warehouse that processed and exported wool in the early 20th century. Antarctica21 decided to rescue the building in 2019, buying it because of its historical significance. The renowned Chilean architect Pedro Kovacic and designer Enrique Concha led the conversion project, infusing it with the spirit of Patagonian pioneers and Antarctic explorers while incorporating contemporary elements.

'There is history behind Explorers House, experiences I lived my whole life,' said Vásquez, who is from a ranching family in Chile’s Magallanes region. 'Now, the building has a new life, and its spirit is shared with visitors.'

Originally made almost entirely of wood, the 21,500-square-foot building is now covered in an insulated shell of corrugated iron to protect it from the elements. Inside, the frame of the original structure, reinforced with new metalwork, remains visible as an homage to the building’s history. Warm materials and textures invite relaxation, and turquoise-colored floors evoke Antarctica’s icebergs. A skylight along the peak of the roof and large windows let in natural light, and rich illumination provides accents.

Environment-friendly features

Furthering Antarctica21’s commitment to sustainability, many of the building’s original materials were reused, much of the upholstery is made of recycled industrial fibers, a solar panel system produces electricity and heat through radiant floors, and rainwater is harvested for use in the restrooms.

The two-story building includes a reception area, restaurant with regional Chilean cuisine. well-stocked bar, coffee station, lounge space for 250 people, theater-style presentation space for 100 people, interactive touchscreens and live information screens, a library, gear and gift shop. garden, restrooms and parking.