Gemma Observatory Southern New Hampshire Architecture, Rural Building United States
Gemma Observatory Southern New Hampshire
Rural North East American Building – design by Anmahian Winton Architects
Apr 9, 2017
Gemma Observatory Southern New Hampshire
Gemma Observatory Building in New Hampshire
Design: Anmahian Winton Architects
Located in the mountains of central New Hampshire, this Observatory is positioned at the end of a steep, half-mile gravel drive. Its exposed site is characterized by granite outcroppings and is situated at the center of a three-mile radius ?dark? landscape with very little light pollution, ideal for sky observation. Gemma operates completely off the grid, powered by a photovoltaic panel assembly.
The Observatory?s design rejects a traditional dome in favor of a synthesized architectural form that provides optimal usable interior 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 granite bedrock and the building foundation, knitting together the 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 the building?s orientation to both geological and celestial landmarks. Its dimension, color, and patina evoke a material relationship to the gray granite outcroppings that characterize the summit, whi...