Students at Newcastle University’s School of Architecture worked with Kielder Art & Architecture and the Stonehaugh village community to design and build a new pavilion for stargazers and nature watchers. The first permanent commission in Kielder Art & Architecture’s‘Testing Ground’ programme, the students worked with the community from autumn 2012, first presenting their recycling project ‘Superuse’, and subsequently developing designs for a stargazer’s pavilion to be the focus for Stonehaugh’s Dark Sky Discovery Site. The project was finished in late May 2014 and officially launched on July 9th.

Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion is sited close to Stonehaugh village in Northumerland, on the edge Kielder Water & Forest Park.

From the direction of Hexham, follow the B6320 approximately 9 miles towards Kielder Water & Forest Park. After turning left where Stonehaugh is signposted and follow this road for 5 miles until Stonehaugh is signposted to the right. Follow this road for 1 mile into the village. The pavilion in just past the village on the left.

From Wark village, follow the road out of the village east towards Stonehaugh. After approximately 5 miles take a left turn signed to Stonehaugh. The pavilion will be seen ahead after approximately 1/3 mile. 

Please park in the picnic site parking area at the bottom of the hill by the river.

Satnav users can use NE48 3DZ as a destination postcode.

We initiated a development process with the community enabling them to identified the best location for the structure, and using that information, the students developed a number of concept proposals for that site.

Their proposals were presented to the community who were tasked with deciding which of these ideas they would like to take forward. Community involvement was strong and ideas and opinions were forthcoming, resulting in the current design being chosen and subsequently receiving planning permission.