Observatory dome, Križevci
A rotating metal dome with a movable telescope opening, designed and built in the Metal 5 facility and installed on the observatory tower in Križevci.
- Location
- Križevci, Croatia
- Execution
- Metal 5 d.o.o.
- Type
- Special metal structure
- Scope
- Design, fabrication, installation
From the production floor to the observatory tower.
9 photos · click to enlarge
A structure you cannot order from a catalogue.
The Križevci observatory dome needed geometry that is accurate in every segment. A spherical form, rotation around the circumference and a movable telescope opening mean that each part of the structure depends on the precision of the one before it.
Metal 5 developed the structure from the load-bearing ring and inner frame to the outer cladding, made of segments shaped to the curvature. The telescope opening runs on dedicated guides, so no stress reaches the cladding when it opens.
The dome was pre-assembled and inspected in our own facility, protected for permanent outdoor exposure, then transported and lifted onto the tower of the building in Križevci.
Dome build components.
- 01
Rotating structure
A load-bearing ring and guide system allow precise rotation of the dome around its full circumference.
- 02
Segmented cladding
The dome is built from precise segments shaped to the curvature of the sphere.
- 03
Movable opening
A telescope opening with guides and an opening drive that places no load on the cladding.
- 04
Protection and finishing
Anti-corrosion preparation and a top coat for permanent outdoor exposure.
- 05
Transport and installation
Pre-assembly in our facility, geometry checks and lifting onto the building's tower.
- 06
Custom build
The entire structure was developed to suit the building and its equipment.
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