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• Level of Award:

  Award

• Region:

  North East

• Local Authority Area:

  Tynedale

• Owner:

  Forestry Commission

• Entrant:

  Charles Barclay Architects

• Architect:

  Charles Barclay

• Structural Engineer:

  Michael Hadi Associates

• Contractor:

  Stephen Mersh

• Quantity Surveyor:

  Burke Hunter Adams

• Primary Use Class:

  D2 Assembly & Leisure
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Information about this winner

The observatory is an all-timber ‘land pier’ standing on Black Fell above Kielder Water. It is an astronomical observatory housing two telescopes in rotating turrets, a warm room, toilet and kitchen. Designed for educational and amateur use, the facility can be used by large groups. The building also acts as an observation area for the forest during the day, and provides a series of spaces which allow several groups to use the scheme at the same time. Power is generated entirely on site by a 2.5kw wind turbine and photovoltaics, whilst heat is provided by a woodburning stove. Delicately placed in the landscape, this is a unique building that provides a stimulating environment for introduction to astronomy by night and an enjoyable destination for walkers during the day.