Out-of-this-world design for Sydney Observatory
CASE STUDY
Out-of-this-world designfor Sydney Observatory
[threecol_one]
- Main Structure: 20-foot shipping container
- Finished Dimensions: 9.2m X 4.8m X 2.9m (excluding dome)
- 2.6m extension built from scratch to house telescope
- All other additions fully fabricated at Containers First Workshop
- Sliding glass door and windows, with flyscreens
- Plumbed room ready for upgrade to wet room
- Kitchenette
- All rooms fully insulated
[/threecol_one] [threecol_two_last]When an amateur astronomer decides to reach for the stars and build his own personal observatory about 50km north of Sydney, he chose Containers First’s shipping container modification team to design, fabricate and install the unique structure.Starting with a standard 20-foot (6-metre) shipping container, Containers First added an elevated extension to house the telescope and dome, and fabricated many other modifications to create a spacious and comfortable observatory.The star-gazing structure includes windows, dimmable lighting and a sliding glass door, a large workstation with cabinetry, a kitchenette, storage, interior access to the elevated motorised telescope room, and a wrap-around exterior deck complete with a rainwater gutter system and stylishly finished with bullnose roofing.To house the precision optical equipment, the Containers First Workshop’s fabrication had to be equally precise for the hinged dome to rotate properly.[/threecol_two_last]
[threecol_one]
- Full data cabling for telescope
- Dimmer-controlled down lights throughout
- Rolled angle to operate observatory dome
- Squared round roofing for rainwater run-off
- Interior mezzanine level access to telescope platform
- Interior storage space
- Full length veranda with staircase access
- Lightweight roof truss design for transportability
- Bull nose roofing and guttering fitted on-site
- Main room floor carpeting
[/threecol_one] [threecol_two_last]Containers First also wired the observatory for electrical power and data, andincluded a fully plumbed room ready for future use. The observatory is alsofully insulated from floor to ceiling to ensure comfort all year round.While Containers First were content with the design and manufacture ofthis amazing observatory their expertise was truly exposed when theycoordinated the delivery and installation of the observatory. Requiring customfabricated supports to perch the containers on the side of a hill, specialisedtransport for the 40km journey to the site and lifting equipment all of whichneeded to fit through a gap with only millimetres to spare. The installationwas precise, on time and under budget.Our astronomer couldn’t be happier with the observatory and is countinghis lucky stars he chose Containers First and the “freedom” a modularshipping container design provided him. Containers First is equally thrilledwith their first-ever observatory design/build and rates it as one of the Sydneycompany’s stellar achievements in custom shipping container modifications[/threecol_two_last]
Tick The Box On Your Container Needs!For more information or a quote, please contact us today:Phone 1300 556 991 or email info@containersfirst.com.au23-25 Gould Street | South Strathfield NSW 2136 n F: 02 9642 5008 n ABN: 68 002 196 385