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Royal Observatory, Greenwich
| location: | Park Row, Greenwich |
| client: | The Royal Maritime Museum |
| architect: | Allies & Morrison |
| main contractor: | Gardiner & Theobald |
| project scope: | Bespoke Mirrored Discoid, Large Sliding Doors, Rooflights, Curtain Walling |
The Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line, is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium (at the stroke of midnight GMT as measured from the Prime Meridian). The new Peter Harrison planetarium is now part of the £15.5m Time and Space project at the 330 year old Observatory which will open in spring 2007.
Due to the complexity of the bespoke glazing application, EAG were selected by Project Managers Gardiner & Theobald to design, supply and install a glass discoid into the inclined, bronze-clad cone which forms the main structure of the new planetarium building providing an iconic addition to the landscape of Greenwich.
The discoid is formed from 12 pieces of precision cut, high performance glass to make up the elliptical shape. The glass has 4 interlayers applied during its manufacture to produce a mirrored effect desired by the architect. Measuring 9 ½ metres in diameter and weighing approximately 3.6 tonnes, great care was taken during installation as the discoid is inclined at 38.5 degrees. The glass panes had to be craned between the temporary roof supporting structure which could not be totally removed as this played a critical part in protecting the bronze clad cone from any rain damage prior to its paternisation.
In addition EAG utilised the high performance aluminium systems of Schüco International to provide rooflights and glass sliding doors to the foyer of the 120-seat planetarium, fulfilling the programme in January 2007.
The Royal Observatory is without doubt one of the most important historical and scientific sites in the world; EAG are absolutely delighted to have been be associated with such a prestigious and interesting project.
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