Kielder Observatory
Charles Barclay Architects
| Location | TBC  |
| Completion | May 2008 |
| Contract | £450,000 |
| Client | Forestry Commission |
Introduction
Designed specifically for amateur astronomers, the accessible pier form of this small observatory includes an observation deck for private telescopes.
The elevated, all-timber structure touches the ground lightly while providing an excellent vantage point.. By day, a belvedere in its forest setting; when opened up for observing, the rotated turrets and opened shutters make it expressive and dynamic.
The observatory houses two permanent telescopes, one attached to the warm room, the other mounted in the large turret acting as the pier 'destination'.
The observatory is entirely self-powered by a 2.5kW wind turbine and roof-mounted photo-voltaic panels. Build cost: £450,000.