[ChrisM]

Thanks all, for the positive feedback. We decided to go with a classical design since the observatory is pretty much on our front lawn.and therefore has to "look the part". The project has taken a lot more time than I first envisaged, after my wife suggested that "we could build an observatory"! (Mind you - that's the only prompting that I needed.)

I've attached a few pictures of the pier construction. The block supporting the pier comprises 2 cubic metres of 25 MPa concrete, and is well reinforced (I achieved the 1% steel (by volume) as per the Australian Standard). Into the top of the pier are inserted 8 off 12 x 300 mm galvanised bolts that will connect to the steel pier flange.

Like others have suggested with their observatories, the design of mine allows for future expansion (the universe is still expanding) however I'm still considering what equipment I might upgrade to down the track.

Chris