For the Larch Observatory, we adopted a reductionist approach to design at the request of the owner: simplicity would be key, with minimal external features, clean lines, perfect symmetry and even the roofline to be simplified with a level, square frame disguising the required slope.
Displayed at the International Astronomy Show in 2016, and later installed in the North of England, the Pennine Observatory features a unique roof design that rolls away to the rear, rather than over the warm room.
Our Hide Observatory was commissioned for couple who were both keen astronomers and bird watchers. Our brief was to build an observatory that would make the most of the low Southern horizon but contain a full-height, well-insulated warm room that would double as a bird watching hide.
For the Palantir Observatory we received a challenging brief from our client – a full-height warm room that would accommodate a man of 6’2″, placed to the side of an observatory that would give good views to to the South and East, with relatively low horizons. The challenge comes from placing the warm room to the side, rather than under the main roof: you need additional height to ensure that the interface between the two roofs is sufficiently water-tight – whilst the height needed to stay within 2.5m to keep the visual impact to a minimum.
Introduction This article comes with a health warning – I’m only going to give you general information here, and it’s always worth checking with your local authority if you are at all unsure of whether you need permission. It’s always best to find out first, rather than be forced to apply retrospectively, and potentially face an…
The question of dome vs. roll-off roof observatory – which is best – has long been an argument with fierce advocates on both sides. For some, a gleaming white fibreglass dome is the very epitome of amateur astronomy – a glistening beacon that makes a clear statement to all who see her. For others, the subtlety of a roll-off observatory is what is required