concept | images
'The plan plays on the analogy of a constellation set within a star field of concentric tree rings'
kielder observatory
northumberland 2005
The competition required an observatory set within a forest landscape. We proposed a delicate collection of small buildings paying homage to their environment and the sky; built from local materials.
A large area of the forest was cleared to allow for the buildings; in response to this, the plan plays on the analogy of a constellation set within a star field of concentric tree rings.
The materiality of each component is derived from its function. The warm room is constructed of black concrete, increasing the thermal mass released back into the building at night. Through its darkness it will appear as if the building has absorbed the night. Reclaimed spruce from the felled trees was chosen due to its low thermal mass, providing a delicate thin skin preventing heat distortion to the lenses within the telescope housings.