An Inexpensive 3.3 m Diameter Domed Observatory Constructed from                                                                              Steel Drywall Frame Supports, Plywood, and Roofing Plates

                                                   

Observatory Design Issues

During the winter of 2008, I decided to build an observatory building. This was due to several problems, which began decreasing my observing time:

1. Moving my telescope up from the basement became difficult due to its size.
2. Scandinavian autumns and winters are very windy, causing there to be many clear viewing nights that were unacceptable due to my telescopes size and sensitivity to wind.
3. Since I'm beginning ccd imaging, I wanted a dedicated structure for my telescope, computer, and astronomical equipment storage.
4. I just like to build things and this looked like a fun project!

I considered building both roll off and domed observatories, and finally decided that I required the greater wind protection offered by a dome. Since my telescope is a large Newtonian that I want to mount equatorially, I required a large dome. I settled on a 3.3 meter diameter dome on top of a 1 meter high, round base structure. I began by looking through a large list of links to other home built observatories at the Amateur Astronomical Observatories Website and selected two potential dome designs: foam geodesic and plywood birdcage.  

I really liked the foam geodesic domes and following is one of the best sites I've found regarding this type design: Joe's Foam Geodesic Dome.  I initially decided on building a foam geodesic dome, but the price of the styrofoam, fiberglass, epoxy resin, and marine paints proved to be too much. These materials are very expensive in Europe and this also clashed with my basic theme of keeping everything simple (KIS) but also more importantly inexpensive.

I next looked at two very excellent websites for birdcage type domes:  Newcastle Observatory and Terra Rouge Observatory. The basic birdcage type observatory is constructed from layered plywood.  This is a very straight forward type design, but I was concerned that it would be very heavy and very expensive (plywood also costs too much in Scandinavia).

The final design is my own modification of a birdcage type dome.  I eventually came up with a novel design idea that I don't think anyone else has tried as of the present (at least I can't find any other domes using this construction on the www). My design uses steel drywall supports as a dome frame, which are covered with a composite exterior roofing material. This greatly decreased the dome weight and was also inexpensive, easy to build, and very strong.

Important Note:  As with anything you build, you are responsible for following all local building codes and assuring a safe structure. If you have any doubts about what you are doing, seek help from licensed construction personnel. I assume no responsibiliy or liability for damages incurred if anyone disregards this warning. I regret the need for this disclaimer, however I feel it is necessary.

Building Codes

You are responsible for following all local building codes and assuring a safe structure. Be sure to check your local codes before you begin planning the structure; I have heard of home observatories that were completed, only to be torn down and rebuilt because the builder didn't follow all local codes. Remember that these codes exist to make sure that structures are safe. Many homeowner associations also have rules regarding what you are allowed to build and you need to check that you will be allowed to build a home observatory. I also recommend that you take the time to discuss your plans with your neighbors. Making a neighbor unhappy is something always best to avoid.

Materials and Tools

The design theme was to keep it simple (KIS) and inexpensive; this means common materials and tools. The observatory was constructed from the following building materials:

1. Pine  Boards
2. Plywood
3. Steel Drywall Frame Supports
4. Bituwell plates
5. Roller Wheels
6. Clear Plastic Carport Plates
7. Exterior nails, screws, and Bolts (Regular and Self Tapping)
8. Clear Builders Silicone
9. Polyurethan Foam Insulation
10. Cement
11. Misc. Fittings (Hinges, Angle Irons, Hasp and Padlock, etc.)
12. Exterior Oil Based Water Sealant

I have a very basic workshop and only used common tools:

1. Variable Speed Reversable Power Drill
2. Telescoping Miter Saw
3. Electric Jigsaw 
4. Handtools: Hammers, Screwdrivers, Spirit Level, Carpenter's Framing Square, etc.

As I also wrote on the Telescope Design Page, one of the best things about living in Europe is that everything is metric, which is so easy to use! All measurements in the Pier/Base Structure and Dome pages are metric. You will need to convert them yourself.