Thanks jjjnettie for emailing the Mushroom plans! Looks very interesting. A bit of modification (making an opening slot) and the top half should work as an Observatory.
It does have possibilities.
You'd have to make the complete dome first though, then cut out your opening. Yes?
To keep the integrity of the structure?
Jeanette
That is one of the things I have to consider in the manufacture. It also may be possible to alter the frame first then cover it.
The roll off roof design at the top of this thread is really simple. Almost anyone can make it. It would be beter to have more support for the roof when rolled open though. Other than that, very easy!
Also you have the problem of how to fix down dome so you don't lose it. Padlocks to hold it down, backed up by shock cord tie downs to stop the rattling? I'm looking for ideas here myself.
I would hate to see this observatory in a cyclone.....bye bye roof.
The simple and very practical slide off roof idea I got of Mark Hodson eliminates having to have a tie down method to hold the roof on at all.....It just has two bolt locks to simple hold it in place....as picture below...
That is a larger version of the roller system I used when I used to make wardrobe doors. Was the C section standard, or did you have to get it made?
Could you use an old garage roller door as a roof? You can sometimes pick them up 2nd hand quite cheaply $20-$50. If the span wasn't too wide, it wouldn't sag.
The never ending problem with flat roofs is water leakage...just be careful if you do go down the flat roof track make sure you prevent any water from entering the Observatory.
It was one of my highest priority's doing my observatory...."No Water leakage"
jjjnettie...the C section is just standard size sold at approx 6 meter lengths which is exactly what I needed anyway.
I'll try to ustilise this half water tank I have as the roof. The water will run nicely off it.
In fact, I'll have to put the roof together first so we can build the base to suit it.
Now I've set the first goal, I had better go out and take the first steps towards it.
Where's the measuring tape...
