Its two rotating turrets, equipped with permanent telescopes, and an observation deck, offer a 360-degree view of the heavens. These architectural marvels are powered by a blend of renewable energy sources, including a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels, and even feature a composting toilet. This dedication to sustainability and design excellence has been recognised with awards from both the RIBA and The Civic Trust, as well as a feature in the World Architecture Festival in 2009.
Surespan’s involvement centred on designing and manufacturing two sets of double leaf hatch doors, integral to the observatory’s functionality. These bespoke hatches, installed on the roof and the front of the observatory’s rotating turrets, accommodate a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and a smaller Mead 14” telescope, respectively. Our innovative design allows these hatches to be electrically operated, incorporating 24v dc actuators for seamless remote control. This mechanism ensures that the hatches open in a specific sequence, enhancing the observatory’s operational efficiency and user experience.
Our collaboration with the Kielder Observatory project underscores Surespan’s commitment to delivering tailor-made, high-quality solutions that support the ambitions of cutting-edge architectural projects. Through our expertise, we contribute to the creation of spaces that not only push the boundaries of design but also promote sustainability and engagement with the natural world.
