GEMMA OBSERVATORY
Building for the Night Sky: SIP Construction and High-Performance Enclosures
This astronomical observatory is located at the end of a steep gravel drive on a remote mountain summit in central New Hampshire. The site is characterized by granite outcroppings and is situated at the center of a three-mile radius “dark” landscape with very little light pollution to obstruct astronomical viewing.
The Observatory’s design rejects a traditional dome in favor of a synthesized architectural form that maximizes 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 bedrock and the building foundation, knitting together the natural and man-made landscapes.
Join a tour of the Gemma Observatory, led by project architect Mazen Sakr, Principal at AW–ARCH.
This tour presents a detailed architectural walkthrough of Gemma Observatory, a private astronomical research and educational facility located on an exposed granite summit in central New Hampshire. The presentation examines how shop-fabricated structural insulated panels—SIPs—were integrated with a variable-depth concrete foundation to address a steep, irregular bedrock site, limited construction access, high winds, and a demanding remote-building program. Participants will explore how the super-insulated enclosure, structurally isolated telescope foundations, and rapidly heat-dissipating zinc rainscreen reduce temperature differentials, vibration, and air distortion that can interfere with astronomical observation. The course also examines the digital fabrication and installation of custom lock-seamed zinc panels over the building’s continuously faceted geometry. Finally, the presentation compares Gemma’s manually operated faceted turret and sliding observation hatch with the conventional domed-observatory model, demonstrating how architecture, structure, material performance, and specialized equipment can be integrated to create a more usable and environmentally responsive building.
2 tour time slots available: 4-5pm and 5:15-6:15pm
Limited to 12 participants per tour
1.5 AIA HSW offered
IMPORTANT EVENT NOTES:
This is a rain-or-shine event. Please dress for the weather and bring rain gear if necessary.
All attendees will park near the Danbury, NH Country Store and board a shuttle together to be transported to the private property where the Gemma Observatory is located, about 10 minute drive from the parking area.
Please arrive and be ready to board the shuttle 30 minutes before your registered tour, either: 3:30 or 4:45pm.
The observatory is not an accessible building.
Once at the property, there is a 10-15 minute walk uphill on a gravel road to the observatory. Please wear appropriate shoes for this walk. Watch the beginning of the video above to get a sense of the terrain.
There are also stairs to climb inside the observatory.
There are no restroom facilities at the property. Please use the facilities at the Danbury Country Store before boarding the shuttle.
You can also buy refreshments at the store.
We will send more details/map about parking closer to the event.
We will also send you a waiver form that must be completed and returned to the AIANH office or brought to the event.
AIA Emerging Professionals attend for free. Please use the discount code: aiaep
AIA Emerging professionals are professionals who have completed their academic studies up to the point of licensure or up to 10 years after completion of their academic studies.