Observatory

This observatory needed to be built on a dark site, for minimal light pollution, and with unobstructed views to the night sky. The chosen site is on the crest of a hill in a field at the edge of the campus.

The observatory has one large classroom and a spiral staircase leading up to the telescope and rotating dome. Red lights are provided for night work, and the resilient tile floor pattern recalls shooting stars. There is a mechanical room below the tower. Clerestory windows provide light to the classroom while preserving wall space. Simple forms are used to express the building's function.

Client

Pomfret School

Location Pomfret, CT
Size 1,000 Sq. Ft.
Program classroom
Year Completed 2001
Photo Credit Robert Benson Photography