This is my finished observatory!
The dome is constructed of 2" high density (blue) styrofoam with a 3/8" layer of stucco. It also has 4 thick coats of
Reflective Roof Coating for moble homes. The slot door is made from 1/4" masonite and is equally well coated! The
base ring is made from 4x8x16 masonary units with rebar fully grouted in every cell. My neighbor Jeff and I poured the
slab with concrete we mixed ourselves with a little mixer we borrowed from his friend Norm.(Thanks Norm!!) I made the
pier myself from 6" steel pipe and it is poured in an isolated footing 4' below the floor. I also filled the pier itself with
dry sand to help dampen vibration.
Here are some more construction shots
Pouring the slab!
I couldn't wait to see it on the pier!
Framing is faster but I really hate termites!
Eat that baby!
Ripping the proper angle on a triangle!
You need some of these......!
......And some of these!
Dome construction actually begins!
Putting it together!
Almost there!
The slot frame installed!
A look inside through the slot!
My family came out for Christmas this year so I figured it would be a good time to set the dome!
Six of us passed it over the wall behind the base ring!
The stucco went on better than I thought it would. I had not done stucco successfully before so I was
not looking forward to this part of the process!
More stucco!
Finally Painted and working on the doors!
Installing the slot door!
And here's the entry door!
Here's the entry door and the slot rails!
My 12" Meade LX200 in it's new home!
Here's the view from my chair!
Here's my "playstation"!
And here am I with my new dome!
I would like to thank all that assisted me with this project! You know who you are!
With a special Thank You to Joe Garlitz! Without your website who knows what I would have done!
And my loving wife Renee who let me Build this creation in our yard!
Any comments or questions Please feel free to contact me at:
