Gemma Observatory is a private astronomical observatory designed by Anmahian Winton Architects and located on a remote mountain summit in central New Hampshire.
The site is characterized by granite outcroppings and is situated at the center of a three-mile radius “dark” landscape with very little light pollution to obstruct astronomical viewing.
Gemma’s design by Anmahian Winton Architects rejects a traditional dome in favor of a synthesized architectural form that maximizes usable space and responds to the stark geographic context.
Its continuously faceted shape reflects the surrounding landform, and terraced concrete platforms transition between the summit’s bedrock and the building foundation, knitting together natural and man-made landscapes.
An unconventional pattern of lock-seamed zinc cladding mediates between the irregular site topography and the building’s geometry, reflecting Gemma’s orientation to both geological and celestial landmarks.
Its dimension, color, and patina evoke a material relationship to the gray granite outcroppings, while its heat transfer capability facilitates sky observation by minimizing temperature differential distortion.
As a counterpoint to the exterior and its context, the interior is lined with fir plywood, creating a haven of refuge and warmth from the harsh surroundings.
The first floor is comprised of a research office, sleeping bunk, and warming room, and is super-insulated to prevent interior/exterior temperature differentials from creating heat eddies that would impede astronomical viewing.
A helical stair leads from the cantilevered entry canopy to a fissure in the cladding that opens onto the exterior observation deck.
Continuing, the stair arrives at the observatory’s primary viewing platform inside the faceted turret, its interior characterized by high ceilings, a larger telescope, and a camera array.
A single person can rotate this turret by hand with an assembly typically used in high-precision manufacturing facilities, and a hand-cranked sliding hatch opens the telescope to the sky.
A rift in the zinc cladding creates a corner window, framing Polaris when the turret is locked into the southern cardinal position.
Plans:
Facts & Credits:
Title: Gemma Observatory
Client: Private
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Year: 2015 – completed
Size: 2,130 SF
Architect: Anmahian Winton Architects / Alex Anmahian, AIA & Nick Winton, AIA
Project Manager: Mazen Sakr
Design Team: Anika Gramsey & Travis Williams
General Contractor: Patriot Painters & Builders
Structural Engineer: RSE Associates, Inc
Technical Motion Engineer: Gillespie Corp.
Rotating Rail Mechanism: THK
Metal Installer: Crocker Architectural Inc.
Steel: Quinn Brothers Iron Works
Structural Insulated Panels: Foard Panels Inc.
Decorative Steel: Tresfort Metal Works, Concentric Fabrication
Solar Panel Design: SunBug Solar
Photographer: Anmahian Winton Architects + Client
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