[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Phil - I am leaning towards a similar design. The last thing I want is a traditional round observatory that advertises itself as such. "Hey! Look at me! I'm round, have a slit and keep an expensive telescope inside!". No thanks. I want my observatory to resemble a humble garden shed and be as inconspicuous as it can be.

Foam roof panels would be nice, but a traditional build like this one (Oesper) is probably stronger, and with counterweighted panels, just as easy to operate.

I agree with Ian here - at the end of it all, I'm NOT liking the idea of keeping my scopes out in a shed - once they're seen in the open by neighbours they're talked about...and the word spreads. Garage, house or shed - it doesn't matter. Thieves will go through whatever is required. Then again, if you live your life in constant "protection" mode, it ain't much a of a life. Get good insurance and make sure that you are in full disclosure to your reputable insurance company. Lock the shed and put in an alarm, and I guess that this is all they can ask....