Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
New laboratory, office and lecture theatre facilities at the Grade A listed Royal Observatory.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh: image from Bennetts Associates
The Astronomy Technology Centre designs and manufactures state of the art astronomical instruments for use in Observatories in Chile and Hawaii.
On an outstanding position at the top of Blackford Hill in Edinburgh, the new buildings will be used by the Astronomy Technology Centre and the University of Edinburgh. As the site was congested and suffered from reactive growth, an initial Masterplan Study was carried out to consider planned expansion.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh: image from Bennetts Associates
Following the Masterplan review it was agreed to defer the lecture theatre and proceed with an initial phase consisting of laboratories and offices. Planning consent was obtained in December 2002. Apart from functionality, the guiding principle for the design of the new buildings was to maintain a low profile so that long distance views of the Royal Observatory were not compromised and the former house of the Astronomer Royal for Scotland was not dominated.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh: image from Bennetts Associates
High quality materials such as natural stone and prepatinated zinc are commensurate with the colour and texture of the existing buildings.
Construction commenced in 2003 and practical completion achieved in Sep 2004
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Royal Observatory Edinburgh architects : Bennetts Associates