Observatory and Scientific Research Institute
Glenn Murcutt Regional Design Studio Project

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Lightning Ridge is located 760 km from Sydney, situated at the border of NSW and Queensland. The town is internationally well known for Black Opal mining and its archaeological credibility.

The specific site chosen for this project is a man-made claystone dumping site as a result of opal mines. The crystal-clear sky of Lightning Ridge has made it the perfect location to conduct astronomical research.

The design aims to stimulate the poetic solution that are both sustainable and site responsive. Issues such as water collection, filtration, storage, treatment, electricity generation and natural cooling and heating systems are all to be considered as part of the design.