Battle Point Astronomical Association

(Helix House exterior)

The Plans for the Observatory at the Helix House

 

We have created  

-- an observatory

-- a meeting and lecture hall

-- a teaching facility

-- a workshop

-- a library

-- an office

-- an interpretive center

In 1994 the Bainbridge Island Park & Recreation District made possible the use of the Helix House as an astronomical observatory for the BPAA.

This very strong structure, 38 ft. x 26 ft. and 35 ft high, now is a first-class facility.  The financial campaigns have provided for much of the necessary equipment.

The facility is now ready for use, following the installation of the telescope and dome, and the finishing of the interior detail work.

Currently, the digital imaging equipment is being installed on the telescope requiring a refiguring of it.

(Helix House section b)

So, let's walk through the plans -- as seen in the drawings on this page.

The Ground Floor (Helix House 1st floor)
The wide entrance opens onto a Foyer with a small Administrative Office to the left.  Straight ahead is the floor-to-roof Workroom where construction of telescopes -- metalwork, grinding and polishing of mirrors, testing of component parts, etc. -- will take place.  In the corner of this room is the 4 feet square floor-to-roof steel reinforced pillar to support the large main telescope on the roof.

The door to the right of the foyer leads to the large Meeting Room -- large enough to accomodate 40 or so people for lectures.

In the corner of the meeting room is the helical stairs leading up to... 

The Mezzanine (Helix House 2nd floor)

The Communications & Control Center will include the computer hub, visual aids and machines, mechanical and electronic equipment for viewing and observing images.  Images can be received and transmitted worldwide.

The Storeroom can be seen through a large interior window in the communications and control center.  The storeroom is directly over the  workshop, and is connected by a traditional staircase.

The helical staircase continues to the roof and the telescope platform.

Construction

These plans by BPAA's Vice President/Facilities Director, architect John H. Rudolph, are innovative, functional and affort BPAA a first-class observatory.  It is one of a kind in the Northwest.

Generous contributions for construction,  both financial and in-kind, have made and continue to make possible this dream of an astronomical interpretive center on Bainbridge Island -- an educational facility for young and old.

(Helix House section a)

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