Surespan provide access to space - Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory

Surespan designed and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the Kielder Observatory located in England’s largest forest in Northumberland. 

The Project

As part of the Kielder Art and Architecture program, Charles Barclay Architects designed Kielder Observatory for the Forestry Commission.

The all-timber observatory was constructed from Douglas fir with larch cladding, the pier-like building has rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck. The turrets can be rotated through 360 degrees.

The observatory generates its energy using a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels and includes a composting toilet.

The observatory has received 2009 awards from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the inaugural World Architecture Festival. 

The Product

Surespan design and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the roof and the front of the Observatory’s two rotating turrets – one to house a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and the other for a small Mead 14” telescope. 

Features

These hatches are electrically operated and have been specially designed to open in a specific sequence using remote control via 24v dc actuators.