Auckland’s Iconic Stardome Observatory in Royal Oak unfortunately was vandalized in May 2023 while other works were being carried our to the facility.
Originally installed in 1967 the Stardomes shield of Copper on the constructed Timber dome that opens serviced thousands of would be star gazers for over 55 years before the vandalism took place.
The timber dome clad in Copper was selected as the ultimate metal prized for its soft formability and self healing characteristics when disturbed and formed. The Copper showed no signs of failed over this time upon review and reconstruction. The Copper’s maturity over the years displayed by the colour of the self forming patina had transitioned through the many stages only getting to this point with age.
The original installation methods saw a combination of Copper nails to piece on the curved Copper sheeting to the timber dome brought over from East Germany. After remedial works were completed to the Timber structure the Team at IG Roofing who were already working on the EURAMAX cladding for an opposing pyramid structure of the facilities roof were commissioned to reinstate the Copper cladding to the dome.
A combination of traditional forming and more advanced securing techniques were used to secure the Copper not only providing an attractive architectural appeal but ensured maximum material security. Fixing of the panels using hidden clips with each tapered panel seamed together side by side brought the individually pieced puzzle together to form the dome allowing for expansion. The result put the Stardome back on track to continue its historical journey to educate may others in the years to come.
