CHALLENGE
CBI provided design services associated with the addition of an observatory dome and roof replacement at McConnell Hall at Smith College.
CBI’S SOLUTION
The scope involved the removal of the existing (sliding) roof unit and the installation of new computer-controlled rotating dome, as well as raising the existing telescopes to provide a view of the sky to the horizon.
The rooftop room which housed a fixed, 16” diameter telescope with retractable flat had reached the end of its useful life and needed to be replaced. Within that room, the telescope was recessed below the roof edge limiting their view of the night sky. The installation of the new Ash dome now allows the telescope to view to the horizon. Since the telescope is elevated, raised platforms with stairs were installed in order to access the telescope.
CBI is currently providing services for the design of a new Carlisle rubber roof system at McConnell Hall. Test cuts were performed to view the existing conditions and roof composition. A prefabricated storage shed was also added on the roof to house smaller telescopes and equipment.
