Created by arts foundation SPUD, The Observatory, a mobile arts centre and lookout, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, has opened at the South Downs National Park in Winchester.
Factory built by S&S Construction in Andover, the twin modular buildings were transported to the site by truck and in six months’ time will be moving to Lymington Salt Marshes in the New Forest National Park, before continuing a tour of the UK.
Described by Matt Stillwell, project director at S&S Construction, as a “bespoke modular solution”, the buildings have a timber frame and are clad in charred timber.
“Although the project was small it was complex, we had to build a useable space that had a high-quality joinery finish,” says Stillwell.
The Observatory sits on a steel turning mechanism that allows each “pod” to rotate through 360 degrees. Engineered by Unitspark, the steelwork not only turns the structures, but also doubles up as a trailer and lorry transportation system.
“We had to cover the frames to give the impression that the structures were floating, with a clearance that allowed the buildings still to be rotated,” explains Stillwell.
The buildings were factory built by S&S Construction in Andover
SPUD’s principal associate, Mark Drury, said: “By its very nature, The Observatory will be theatrical, eye-catching, unusual and unique. The whole programme will focus on developing new audiences – those that would not normally visit a gallery and perhaps have little, if any, opportunity to directly interact with an artist. It will take both art and artists out into the community.”
The materials included western red cedar and British and Siberian larch, which was charred and used for the external cladding as well as a consignment of Accoya, Medite Tricoya Extreme and Smartply, which the designers used for the external edging as well as the front and back frames and all the doors and windows.
All timber was donated by supplier James Latham.
