Dark Skies Project, Davagh Forest

Outdoor Observatory

Key Features

The Dark Sky project involved the development of a natural amphitheatre to provide a viewing platform for the AV show at the new visitor centre. MARTIN were involved with this prestigious project from concept stage working closely with Tandem Design and Paul Hogarth Company The project revolved around the location, Davagh Forest, being one of three true “Dark Skies” locations on the island of Ireland.

Service & Products

The works were split into two distinct zones: Play area; construction of natural stone walls (using Sperrin boulders) with inset oak seating; 300sqm of Whinstone paving; play equipment which has the stellar constellations incorporated into the roof of the dome. Viewing Gallery ; inset ambient lighting to allow safe access after dark for visitors to view the light show; projectors installation; CEDA-drive pathways.

MARTIN used the natural gradients of the site to create a semi-circular accessible space where groups of people can enjoy uninterrupted night sky or the unique AV show. The external spaces blend seemlessley with the surrounding forest , using local products to compliment the natural wood and scrub land.

MARTIN created a hard landscaped area, car parking facilitates and installed a "Play Planetarium". Interpretive and artistic panes were aslo installed incorporated into fencing, typographic and illustrative elements inlaid into bench seating and paving and lectern style interpretive panels.

WHAT PEOPLE SAID ABOUT MARTIN

Martin were delivered the project exactly as I had pictured it at concept stage, it looks as if it grew there!

Anthony McGuigan, Director, Paul Hogarth Company

Irish Life, Dublin

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