CHARLES BARCLAY ARCHITECTS

Kielder Observatory

LOCATION The astronomical observatory, won in competition in

Northumberland, UK 2005, was completed for the Kielder Partnership in May
2008 and has been acclaimed by architectural critics,
FUNCTION the astronomical community and the public. The first
Astronomical Observatory observatory to use a ‘land pier’ form and all-timber
construction, it houses two permanent telescopes and is
AREA designed specifically for amateurs and outreach work.
222 sqm During the day, the observatory serves as a belvedere
overlooking Kielder Forest. The observatory is an ex-
emplar sustainable building, entirely self-powered by
means of a wind turbine and photo-voltaic panels and
features as the ‘mothership’ for the renowned Kielder
star camps. The observatory has received 2009 awards
from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the
inaugural World Architecture Festival. For information
on opening times see

www.kielderobservatory.org

Kielder Observatory and its revolving turrets.

74 Josephine Avenue, London SW2 2LA t 020 8674 0037 f 020 8683 9696 w www.cbarchitects.co.uk e cba@cbarchitects.co.uk
CHARLES BARCLAY ARCHITECTS

13 16
15 8 3
11 10 6 4
14 1
7 5 2
12 9
N

N
Floor plan. 1. Entry ramp 6. Warm room 11. Observation deck
2. Covered entrance area 7. Stove 12. Ramp
3. w/c 8. Kitchenette 13. Escape stair
4. Entrance 9. Gangway 14. Pulsar turret
5. Battery Cupboard 10.Meade turret 15. Circular ramp
16. Bench seat

10 10
1 4 8
5 6
3 9

2 7

Section. 1. Pulsar turret 6. Entry Hall

2. Galvanised steel escape stair 7. Composting Vault
3. Observation deck 8. Covered entrance area
4. Meade Turret 9. Concrete ramp
5. Warm oom 10.Roofloights

Pulsar telescope. Warm room.

74 Josephine Avenue, London SW2 2LA t 020 8674 0037 f 020 8683 9696 w www.cbarchitects.co.uk e cba@cbarchitects.co.uk
CHARLES BARCLAY ARCHITECTS

Axonometric of pulsar turret. View from observation deck

View of main entrance.

74 Josephine Avenue, London SW2 2LA t 020 8674 0037 f 020 8683 9696 w www.cbarchitects.co.uk e cba@cbarchitects.co.uk