Click to enlargeCheshire Architects Lucy Hayes-Stevenson at Cape Evans. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 1 of 8Scotts Discovery Hut at Hut Point, Ross Island. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 2 of 8Outside the Borchgrevinks Hut at Cape Adare, the eight explorers (from left): Calum Turner, Maia Ingoe, Louise Piggin, Lucy Hayes-Stevenson, Daniel Bornstein, Ngawai Clendon, Kitiona Pelasio and Jake Bailey with Al Fastier of Trusts Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 3 of 8The Inspiring Explorers team at Scotts Terra Nova Hut, Cape Evans. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 4 of 8Louise Piggin (left) with Lucy Hayes-Stevenson (right) at Cape Adare. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 5 of 8Artefacts in Scotts Discovery Hut. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 6 of 8The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, returned to Scotts Discovery Hut. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 7 of 8Cheshire Architects heritage architect Lucy Hayes-Stevenson. Image: Antarctic Heritage Trust 8 of 8Heritage architect Lucy Hayes-Stevenson is one of eight young Kiwi and Australian explorers who have recently returned from the Antarctic Heritage Trusts (AHT) Inspiring Explorers Expedition to the Ross Sea home of the expedition bases of legendary Antarctic explorers Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Carsten Borchgrevink and Sir Edmund Hillary. Artefacts in Scotts Discovery Hut.Image: Antarctic Heritage TrustOne of three conservation experts on the crew, Hayes-Stevensons primary goal on the expedition was to develop a deep understanding of the conservation of the historic huts and to form a personal connection with theplace.Each hut feels like a unique time capsule, filled with the echoes of the past, saysHayes-Stevenson. The low light levels, the smell, the creaks of the floorboards are all preserved with attention to the minute details and add to the sense of history, loss, isolation and camaraderie that you feel inside. They have been preserved so well, it feelsuntouched.Hayes-Stevensonsays the huts stand as monuments to human resilience, determination and best practiceconservation.We work on many heritage projects where the building lives on with a new purpose. What I love about these sites is the pure preservation of the story itself. Its truly inspiring to be moved by a place that conveys its history without words. I wish more people could experience it its life-changing in a way. Im excited to see how this shapes my work movingforward.Over the month-long expedition,Hayes-Stevenson and the crew worked with Al Fastier, who led theTrusts Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project for 18years.Outside the Borchgrevinks Hut at Cape Adare, the eight explorers (from left): Calum Turner, Maia Ingoe, Louise Piggin, Lucy Hayes-Stevenson, Daniel Bornstein, Ngawai Clendon, Kitiona Pelasio and Jake Bailey with Al Fastier of Trusts Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project.Image: Antarctic Heritage TrustTalking with Al and learning from his experience was invaluable. The detail that has gone into the conservation work byAHT is incredible, so seamless that you instantly feel like the heroic explorers have just stepped out, fully immersing you in their world,Hayes-Stevenson says. Ive always been passionate about heritage buildings and protecting historical fabric, and its been amazing to see such incredible conservation work inaction.Prior to their departure, the team was involved in the conservation of a unique artefact a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and had the honour of returning the book to Scotts Discovery Hut at Hut Point, RossIsland.Cheshire Architects heritage architect Lucy Hayes-Stevenson.Image: Antarctic Heritage TrustOn the first attempt we made to return the book, the ice blocked our way and we had to turn back. Reality in Antarctica is dictated by the movement of the ice and it changes in a second. Finally, on the second to last day, the ice had fully cleared and we were finally able to return it to its home in Scotts hut. We were all so invested in its return, because we got to be a part of thatstory.Hayes-Stevenson says she feels grateful to be part of this project and proud thatCheshire Architects has worked alongside AHT for years to help conserve these historicsites.Asshe returns to work, she says she remains committed to protecting and sharing the stories of our heritage buildings, adding her experience in Antarctica has given her a renewed sense of purpose and connection to herwork.She hopes that through the efforts of dedicated conservators and organisations like Antarctic Heritage Trust, the legacy of the Antarctic explorers will continue to inspire futuregenerations.