Anmahian Winton Architects recently completed the design of a private astronomical observatory called “Gemma”, located on the mountains in New Hampshire, US. Although the surrounding landscape is quite stark, the observatory benefits from its being free of any noise, visual and light pollution, enjoying a radius of 4,5 km for astronomical observation.

In contrast with the traditional dome, Gemma Observatory features a new conceptual and angular design that provides more usable space and also conforms well to the constraining geographic context.

Aesthetically speaking, the observatory blends into the mountainous scenery, the foundations of the building blending with the grey of the rocks, while the interior of the observatory is lined with fir plywood to warm up the space.

You may easily imagine yourself getting a nap while contemplating the firmament through the fissures. A helical stair of plywood and steel leads to the exterior observation deck as well as to the centrepiece of the building, the multifaceted turret. Inside the turret, the high ceilings can be opened thanks to a sliding hatch, allowing visitors to contemplate the sky with a telescope.

This observatory by Anmahian Winton was among the winners of this year’s AIA Small Project Award, whose theme was “reflection”. This program strives to raise public awareness making architecture more accessible to all.