Davagh Observatory, Cookstown

ARCEN for Mid Ulster District Council
Contract value: undisclosed 
GIA: 317m²

Davagh Forest boasts one of the ‘darkest skies’ in Ireland and the site, a small cleared valley, is the perfect environment for an observatory. The hub sits delicately; it is a lightweight construction with a prefabricated steel frame on a concrete plinth perched on piles with a perimeter timber deck walkway appearing to float above the fern beneath, reducing the risk of contamination of the ASSI. With its visitor centre it acts as a high-profile gateway for all recreation within the forest. As well as improving thermal performance the sedum roof provides habitat and food for wildlife and makes the building part of the undulating landscape.

See the rest of the Northern Ireland shortlist here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards shortlists here

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