The Client required a substantial in-ground structure to be built to support a new optical telescope and the associated clamshell enclosure.  The works included the provision of services infrastructure for the telescope, comprising two large insulated equipment rooms, electrical, communications, security, hydraulic and special mechanical services.  The project was undertaken in an environmentally sensitive area in the Siding Spring National Park.  Where possible subcontractors from the Coonabarabran region were engaged for the work.  The site was exceptionally exposed and access to the site was restricted and vibration had to be kept to a minimum to avoid impacting on an operational telescope adjacent to the works.

INNOVATION:

The clamshell enclosure was constructed in the U.K. and disassembled for transportation to Australia.  To ensure that the critical dimensions and tolerances were achieved, the final design of the holding down structure design was developed in conjunction with the Structural Engineers to allow some fixing tolerances while still providing exceptional stability for the installation structure.