Fordos' Observatory Build

[Fordos Moon]

Having followed this particular forum with great interest, and already been given lot's of good advice from some of you, I decided to build my own observatory in the form of a roll-off roof shed. YesYes encouraged me to share my build on here. Everything I do is going to be done for the first time but I figured it would be a fun experience and give me something real to focus on when I am not working in finance for the MOD!

I am fairly certain the phrase "over-engineered" will not follow in your comments. I will be aiming to have a finished product that is somewhere between the grand designs of Gina, YesYes, Bizi etc and the "that'll do / give it one more twist" approach of my father and father-in-law (albeit I am massively appreciative of their help and enthusiasm).

So here goes. I started about a month ago picking the wettest January since records began (confirmed today) - you'll appreciate not much has been done but then it leaves me more to share with you all!

There are 2 constraints from the outset. My southern horizon is blocked by huge trees. The property is rented so I need to make it all "removable". Don't tell anyone about my concrete base! It can one day be covered in gravel and I can put the plastic shed the landlord supplied on it.

Picture 1. Views to W, N, E and S.

Picture 2. View to SE.

[misfit]

good luck with the build, I look forward to reading your progress 

[r3i]

Best of luck with the build and hope that you keep us all informed on how it is going.

[yesyes]

Good luck with your build. I'll be following it with much interest. I'm glad you decided to share your experience.

[robbie c]

Good luck buddy keep us up to date 

[Fordos Moon]

First delivery, ballast and cement! And the "yard".

[Fordos Moon]

The area I have selected was previously used for a tiny plastic shed which now resides under the trees at the bottom of the garden. Which reminds me, my mother in laws whiskey-infused fella's lawnmower is still in there, and all the petrol has come out. Must tidy that up, bit of sand I guess?

So, between the rain showers, shuttering went in place, concrete block made, week + to cure, then concrete base for shed. Foam board and plastic sheeting as per Steve Richard's build worked a treat in keeping the two bits of concrete separate.

Thanks to dad and brother in law for helping me through one and 2 two-thirds big bags of ballast and about 8 bags of cement.

Father in laws old mixer came in very handy!

[Tinker1947]

The weather should start to improve soon, its not nice working in the cold....Good luck with the build....

[yesyes]

cold isn't really the issue, the perpetual rain is! won't be long for a rain forest to grow here...

[Fordos Moon]

You're not wrong chaps my garden grass is soaked, thankfully the build area is slightly raised. Hoping for a chance to fix the 3x2s to the concrete on Sunday, will then start upwards! Handy that Screwfix were selling circular saws half price yesterday when I popped in to pick up a vapour sheet!

[dmahon]

You need a new fence panel

Just had some of ours, that have somehow hung on in there (literally, by one screw) for the last few months, replaced finally today.

Anyway, good luck with the build - I like a good build thread.

[Fordos Moon]

You need a new fence panel

Just had some of ours, that have somehow hung on in there (literally, by one screw) for the last few months, replaced finally today.

Anyway, good luck with the build - I like a good build thread.

Funny you should say that! Got a company coming round next week for a quote! Some of our fence panels are patched up with an old wardrobe. I refer you back to my mother in laws whiskey-soaked fella. He did the patching up!

[Fordos Moon]

A rare break in the rain this weekend (mostly) so made a start on the basic frame...

[Fordos Moon]

Had some help today from a couple of our tribe!

[fondofchips]

Looking good, shelter & quick set up are the obsy's main advantages & it does not have to break the bank either.

Good luck with your build.

[Fordos Moon]

Slightly nervous the roof will run off the long side ie it will be supported by the six foot walls not the eight foot ones. Just need to make it right I guess!

[SnakeyJ]

Good progress despite the terrible weather - keep at it will definitely be worth the effort and investment once you're in there observing/imaging.

[Fordos Moon]

Thanks Jake and fondochips - I learn more every time I work on it, never done anything like this in my life so really appreciate the support!

[kirkster501]

Following with interest.  Looks good so far and I hope it all comes together well for you!

[Fordos Moon]

This evening I made a start on the one of the side frames...

After this point I stapled some vapour sheeting to it, which will go between the studwork frame and the shiplap.

[Tinker1947]

Looks a tidy bit of stud work, the shiplap will make it nice a stable.....

[Fordos Moon]

Looks a tidy bit of stud work, the shiplap will make it nice a stable.....

Thanks Tinker - plan is to make the panels separately and the screw them on to main frame - part of the "temporary if necessary" plan :-)

[Tinker1947]

That will work, some frame sealant in between will seal and gaps.....

[red dwalf]

looking good, i do like watching the progress of peoples builds

[Gina]

Yes indeed   And yes, so do I   Always interesting to see a good range of ideas