Converting old shed for astro storage/guy zone

[Esseth (Alan)]

So the situation is that i will soon be moving into a new place that is owned by the in-laws and they have ok'ed the conversion of one of the sheds for my hobby.

I have attached a few shots so you can see what i am working with, and i found this old old IIS thread about converting a shed for astro use.

Any tips, guides, suggestions for waterproofing/security/storage/ventilation and any other astro friendly ideas... the good thing i found out is that it does have access to power.

At this stage i am looking at somehow rigging some sarking up and throw in a whirly bird and another smaller vent closer to ground level. Have not thought much about flooring yet...


Hmmm since there is power, maybe a bar fridge might not go amiss

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Are you going to roll out the scope for use or roll/flip/open the roof somehow ? Is this just storage with facilities ? ( Bar Fridge !! )

[snowyskiesau]

Plenty of room for a REAL fridge in there!

I'd look as some raised flooring (duckboards) to keep anything valuable (i.e. the fridge) off the concrete. These can be as simple as treated timber slats. Those small sheds will allow water in where it meets the slab.
You could perhaps apply some sealant to help but you'll have to make sure that the door and roof are also watertight - don't want water getting in if it can;t get out.

Wait until you have a good downpour and then check out the shed for water.

[Tandum (Robin)]

I got a similar shed here for garden and pool stuff and the roof is what really holds it together. I'd imagine, if you want the roof to come off, you'll need to put some sort of frame inside to hold the walls in place.

[Esseth (Alan)]

Originally Posted by ZeroID

Are you going to roll out the scope for use or roll/flip/open the roof somehow ? Is this just storage with facilities ? ( Bar Fridge !! )

No to the roof and roll out plan, more of just the storage/post processing/chilling area. The set up area for the scope will be just outside of the shed anyway, so within easy reach of the power.

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

Plenty of room for a REAL fridge in there!

I'd look as some raised flooring (duckboards) to keep anything valuable (i.e. the fridge) off the concrete. These can be as simple as treated timber slats. Those small sheds will allow water in where it meets the slab.
You could perhaps apply some sealant to help but you'll have to make sure that the door and roof are also watertight - don't want water getting in if it can;t get out.

Wait until you have a good downpour and then check out the shed for water.

Thats a great idea, i went out there today as it's been raining all day to see how much water got in, and you were right there was a little line around the edges.

Will definatley be sealing the floor and roof to make it watertight, apart from the vents on the roof and wall for climate control.

Also raising the floor by using timber slats was something i had not thought of.... full size fridge you say... hmmm and some place to set up my speakers

[Terry B]

Originally Posted by Esseth

No to the roof and roll out plan, more of just the storage/post processing/chilling area. The set up area for the scope will be just outside of the shed anyway, so within easy reach of the power.




Thats a great idea, i went out there today as it's been raining all day to see how much water got in, and you were right there was a little line around the edges.

Will definatley be sealing the floor and roof to make it watertight, apart from the vents on the roof and wall for climate control.

Also raising the floor by using timber slats was something i had not thought of.... full size fridge you say... hmmm and some place to set up my speakers

along with the lounge chair

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Where is the bar going to go ..?