DIY Garden Office & Observatory Build - Start to Finish in 30 Days!

[@lukomatico]

APOLOGIES for all the 'builder's crack' on display, LOL! - If you enjoyed this one then PLEASE leave a 'Like' on the video! It really helps me get this out there to many people! :-) THANKS SO MUCH!

[@andrewwellum6472]

Save that for your only fans Luke!

[@lukomatico]

@@andrewwellum6472 LMAO mate, I only just saw this comment 😂😂

[@Sidecontrol1234]

That was a great watch, bum cracks, pugs, chickens and all! Congrats on the 10k subs!!

[@lukomatico]

Cheers bud!! Really happy you liked it :-D Clear skies!

[@johnanddawn2918]

Really really enjoyed this video. Your hard work has paid off. The warm room must be fantastic . Clear skies.

[@lukomatico]

It really is a great place to be! I'm in there right now as I reply to you listening to a howling gale outside, meanwhile I'm at 26.5c and feeling snug! :-D well worth it!

[@jesuspineiro1622]

Hello Luke. I like to see how you have enjoyed building your observatory. I keep looking at construction details that I like. I see that you had help from many volunteers, possibly friends and family who enjoyed building the observatory with you. It really turned out spectacular. I hope you enjoy it for many years and continue to give us many hours of entertainment. It would be very nice to enjoy a Messier Marathon live from your observatory, even though your latitude is quite north and requires a lot of your time. It would be nice to all spend a pleasant time together sharing with you and the rest of your friends. Hopefully one day you can do something similar. A big hug

[@lukomatico]

Big hugs my friend! :-D I hope you have been keeping well! I'm very fortunate to have such great friends and family - they were a huge help with the build and I'm incredibly happy with how it all turned out! :-) That's a great idea by the way, a live messier marathon! I'll have to begin to utilize this place for live-streaming sometimes I think :-D Thanks so much for the lovely comment and support my friend, I always enjoy hearing from you! Clear skies!

[@josephluciani5531]

First, let me say BRAVO! Ten thousand subscribers! What a journey you’ve been on. You, my friend, are the Horatio Alger of astrophotography. Your dedication and responsiveness to each and every comment and question is a testimony to why your fan-base is growing exponentially. As for your video, well, I gotta tell ya, what warms my heart is seeing that your vision for the observatory was a ‘family affair.’ Not sure who everyone was in the video, but I am sure that everyone in that video was expressing their love and enthusiasm for this project. Although I felt exhausted watching all the labor taking place (made me feel like I needed a nap, Phew! 😂) it definitely demonstrated both your courage and commitment to this hobby. Again, BRAVO mate!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Joe!! - As always your thoughts are inspiring and educational! I had to google who Horatio Alger was, and his works- what a guy! Thanks for such a flattering comparison mate haha :-D I'm chuffed to have reached this milestone, the whole thing and what it signifies means a great deal to me. Onwards and upwards! Thank you ever so much for watching, and for giving your support along the whole way Joe - I can't thank you enough mate. Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend bud! All the best Luke

[@stadtchronistjennersdorf6351]

Wasps will love that building! I'm sure many will come and look over your shoulder day and night watching what you're doing in there. 😄

[@lukomatico]

Mi casa, su casa, my waspy amigos! :-D

[@Jas-nd7zl]

Great video mate. Always a bonus when the missus agrees!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate! I'm a lucky chap indeed haha, she's very understanding 😁

[@cemoguz2786]

Some people really got what they deserve. You deserve every bit of it.

[@lukomatico]

Aw mate that's really kind of you to say, thank you very much indeed!! :-)

[@NebulaPhotos]

So great! Really enjoyed it and will be returning to this video many times as I prepare for my build later this year. Congrats on 10k!

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome to hear! I'm so happy you enjoyed this, I was putting off creating it for so long haha! I'm filled with anticipation for your build my friend, I only wish I lived closer so I could give you a hand with it LOL :-D Clear skies mate!

[@theratking3998]

Couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 10k than finally releasing this! Here’s to the next 10k!

[@lukomatico]

Haha! - Thank you Brother, here's to the next 10k indeed! :-D

[@DavesAstrophotography]

Brilliant video Luke, job well done..... came out absolutely amazing and will give you lots of enjoyment for years to come....

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Dave mate!! - It's been a heck of an addition to my life, I love the place! :-D Hope you are doing well!!

[@paulsmaglik5063]

love the video, I am so happy for you with your observatory. I watched the whole video and I enjoyed watching your enthusiasm grow as your observatory nearing completion.

[@lukomatico]

That's wonderful to hear Paul!! Truly it puts a smile on my face to hear that you enjoyed the video and feel happy for me, that's fantastic! I appreciate your lovely comment and all the support you've given mate, wishing you all the best and of course, clear skies!

[@geniexmay562]

Amazing!! I was most impressed with the post hole cut outs in that ply board!! Precision work and I can only imagine a tricky, cautious level install was needed!! Well done in deed. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@lukomatico]

Cheers!! :-D And thank you for noticing haha, I remember measuring those out about 15 times before I was finally feeling brave enough to go for it lol! really happy with how it turned out though :-) Hope you have a superb weekend bud! Clear skies!

[@SimonsAstro]

Awesome build Luke. Massive congrats mate on 10k subs, I’ve said it before Luke, you’re the uk’s version of Trevor Jones😀 I’m impressed with your can do attitude and great DIY skills! Your new obsey will provide many many happy years of service mate👍 Great job and great video, thanks for sharing and Clear skies!

[@lukomatico]

Aw mate, chuffed you like the build, that means an awful lot coming from you! :-D Thank you Simon! Really hope to keep enjoying this place for ages to come! - Thank you so much for your support and friendship mate! Wishing you all the best, hope you have a super weekend! Clear skies! :-)

[@kgunessee]

Congrats on the 10k subscribers Luke, well deserved 👏

[@lukomatico]

Thanks a ton mate!! Really appreciate that :-D

[@robinhoward6447]

I've just caught up with this. Hat's off to you Luke for building your own observatory and workspace. A fantastic job and a warts and all journey of DIY. I just wish I had enough space to build one! I enjoy your videos too and please, keep up the great work!

[@lukomatico]

Many thanks mate!! So glad you enjoyed it, I'll be sure to keep the videos going! :-D

[@CDigata]

nice work.. its best to leave a slight gap between the door frame and side posts due to hot summer expansion will make it hard to close and lock like it was on the first install.. look forward to the winter test and summer test.. but im sure you will update us.. That fine job and the craftsmanship of yours.. it will last for many years to come..

[@lukomatico]

Hey Chris!! - Thanks so much mate!! :-D That's great advice! I'm pleased to say the door is spot on now everything is settled and has had it's first summer & winter, I'm honestly so happy to have this place (as much as I miss my bike lol, especially with Spring around the bend!) I appreciate the lovely comment my friend, and thank you again for all your support! Clear skies!

[@DSOImager]

Grats on 10K! Well deserved! CS!

[@lukomatico]

Huge thanks James!! Truly appreciate all your support getting here my friend, clear skies! :-)

[@bdavis123321]

Congrats on 10K my friend!!!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Brian!! - Can't tell you how much I appreciate all your support along the way my friend! :-) Hope you have a tremendous weekend ahead!

[@Branhil]

Wonderful documentation my friend. Excellent job. And congratulations to your first 10K subscribers :) Cheers from Bavaria mate!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you very much my friend!! :-D I appreciate your kind comment! I hope the skies in Bavaria are treating you well mate!

[@deep_space_dave]

I thought I was watching a "This Old House" episode in the states! Excellent work and craftsmanship! I wouldn't mind build something like this but I have to keep portable to get away from the light pollution and smog. Congrats on the 10K! This is truly an awesome milestone. CS!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Dave!! :-D Oh man that brings back memories, I used to watch "This Old House" with Steve and Norm a LOT while growing up, and then "The New Yankee Workshop" too with Norm, absolutely fantastic shows :-) I always remember Norm saying at the start of each episode "And now for the most important piece of equipment in the workshop, a pair of these, safety glasses" Brilliant, haha! Really glad you liked the video mate, it was a heck of a lot of fun to make this place - along with a boat-load of work, but all worth it! Hope you are doing well buddy! All the best, Luke

[@deep_space_dave]

@@lukomatico I hope you followed Norm's advice, measure twice cut once! Works in all aspects of life 😀

[@lukomatico]

@@deep_space_dave Absolutely mate! :-D

[@Tony-Elliott]

Congratulations on 10k subscribers Luke very well deserved mate , thanks for sharing your observatory build it looks really amazing

[@lukomatico]

Cheers Tony!! - Truly appreciate it mate, thank you for all your support along the way! :-) Hope you have a cracking weekend ahead bud, all the best!

[@antonypage1442]

Thanks for sharing Luke. I need something like this very soon. Clear skies.

[@lukomatico]

Cheers Antony!! - It's a very worthwhile undertaking mate, I really hope you get the chance to build one! :-) Clear skies!

[@ianmacdonald2307]

Hi Luke: It was amazing to watch from start to finish and you and your ‘crew’ must be so proud of the end result. Congratulations on your 10k subscribers, I’m one who actively seeks out your latest instalment.

[@lukomatico]

Ah mate that's honestly made my day to hear! I'm glad you enjoyed it Ian!! :-D We're all chuffed with it here, I got a lot of help from my dad while building as you can see on the time-lapses, also occasionally my grandad even chipped in a bit too lol! I'm a lucky chap :-) Clear skies my friend!

[@ianmacdonald2307]

@@lukomatico - For me you’ve really become the new UK ‘Astrobackyard’. One piece of advice, don’t neglect the beginner level of this hobby or people who may have lower level equipment. I’m certainly not a beginner after 2 yrs but many have less access to the equipment you have. Please don’t take that as a criticism because I genuinely love watching what you do. I’m lucky to have a back garden ROR observatory but it was built at a time when I was just getting back into visual astronomy and has a timber floor. Amazingly I can polar align, take short exposures to plate solve with the AA+ and find targets before abandoning the rig and moving into my nearby summerhouse to start my Autorun - ‘vibration free’. The Asiair has been a game changer for me 🤝

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for the feedback Ian! It's definitely something I should do, trying to make some content aimed at beginners will help grow my channel even further too I guess! :-) I'm glad to hear you are enjoying astronomy from your observatory by the way mate, they are such a boon aren't they! Hope you have a super weekend mate, All the best, Luke

[@fenice319]

Honestly, of all the roll-off observatories design I've seen this is my favorite, mostly because it's so much more compact than a more "traditional" design. Having the roof roll over the other room is incredibly efficient and if I'll ever get a chance to build one for myself I'll consider making one like this for sure

[@lukomatico]

I'm really happy to hear you like it my friend, thank you so much!! :-) I've been really happy with the space saving design of it, plus when I roll the roof over the warm room to observe, it naturally blocks some of the heat loss from my warmroom roof being able to spoil the views! :-D Thanks so much for your really nice comment, Clear skies!

[@walterhaase]

Congrats on 10k! You deserve it!! I have been waiting for this video :)

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Walter!! I'm very happy to hear that my friend :-D Clear skies!

[@oscarrox]

Amazing build, what an effort. As a studio/observatory it must be a joy to use. well done :)

[@lukomatico]

Thank you ever so much! It's really been a dream space to have, I use it every single day :-) Clear skies!

[@AZ4RunnersRealm]

Congrats on 10K!! it took me a bit but I watched the whole thing.. Maybe someday I'll get to 1K!! wonderful video showing the whole process. CS my friend.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Jason!! - Man, I really appreciate you watching the whole thing bud, that's going above and beyond the call of duty haha! :-D You'll be at 1k before you know it man, the sky's the limit for you my friend - I really believe it! Wishing you and your family all the best, Clear skies!

[@MooseHenderson1]

Wow Luke, great project and well done

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much my friend, that means a lot coming from you!! :-) Clear skies!

[@mouserr]

i realize its a bit late but i saw a rather impressive solution for the wheel/track system in another diy observatory. that rolling roof was mounted on a _lot_ of the wheels used for garage doors and rolled in straight track of the same. between the ease of use and the ease of wheel replacement shown i dont think id ever bother with any other system. it was that smooth.

[@lukomatico]

Honestly it sound good mate!! I could probably add many wheels to mine for not much effort, maybe I'll look at it next summer :-D

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Congratulations from Texas....great job!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Michael!! Clear skies my friend :-)

[@Wheeljack678]

Of all the things I had planned to do today, watching a 1hr timelapse of a home observatory being built was not one of them. It was really interesting to watch, almost hypnotizing. Great job on the video, but perhaps more importantly; GREAT job on the build. Wow! I am impressed. Seeing as I am all thumbs myself, Lukes Home Observatories LTD should really consider taking on international work as well. :)

[@lukomatico]

Haha!! That's awesome mate, so glad you enjoyed the video!! :-D I really appreciate your time in watching it! I absolutely love the observatory so I'm chuffed to hear you like it too! I spend a whole lot of time in here these days as it's just such a nice place to be :-) 'Luke's Home Observatories LTD' - now there's an idea haha! Clear skies bud, and thanks again!

[@astrojourneyuk]

Congratulations on the 10k subscribers, what an achievement!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much Marc!!! I appreciate all your support buddy 🙏

[@ianwatson8599]

Nice work Luke, very interesting to watch the build, and a great final result. I must say I am incredibly jealous! I would love to do something like this but my garden just won’t work having a big observatory. I am getting a traditional small one though 👍

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate!! Ah I'm really glad to hear you're getting an obsy! It's a wonderful thing to have, your very own window to the sky 👍👍 Thanks so much for watching and good luck, I hope you enjoy your obsy!

[@filipgloria]

Such a beautiful observatory! I also built my observatory this summer and it was worth every second of work! Congratulations to it and hope you get some amazing pictures of space!

[@lukomatico]

So happy to hear you are enjoying your own observatory too my friend, it's truly wonderful to have such a thing!! :-) I wish you many clear nights my friend!

[@TheCynical0ptimist]

Fun project! Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for watching my friend!! 👍

[@Astrobloke]

Great work Luke, such a sense of achievement and I know you must love that space. Got to say say congrats on 10K subs man, wow, well done and well deserved. Clear skies mate

[@lukomatico]

Huge thanks Glenn! :-D It's been such a huge boon having this place mate, I'm always in here these days lol!! Hoping you are all keeping well bud, clear skies! :-)

[@noddyonice]

The ‘astronomical’ price of timber. Not sure if that was intentional astrophotographer craic, but I did groan! 😂 Been building a garden workshop/office for the last 18 months which will be used for storing my rig and for processing etc. Considered and designed a roll off roof obsi, but not right for me and the family at the moment. Sourcing decent timber cladding this time last year was a right chew, but was worth the effort as I managed to save over a grand by going straight to a saw mill. Loved seeing your build Luke. 👍🏻 Noddy

[@noddyonice]

…and congrats on reaching 10,000 subscribers!👍🏻 Noddy

[@lukomatico]

Thanks Noddy!! :-D Ah mate good catch, it was a total slip so I'll not try and claim credit for such a bad joke LOL! I'm glad to hear you've saved a packet by going direct - I did basically the same thing, a lumber yard with a facebook marketplace site - way better prices than anywhere else I could use! So happy you've been enjoying your own build mate, it really does feel fantastic hey! Thanks for watching and for the great comment!

[@rjedge54]

Congratulations on 10,000 subscribers! 👍🏻 As a relative beginner in Astrophotography and EAA I have found your videos to be very helpful. Keep up the great.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much!!! That's fantastic to hear my friend, I'll be sure to keep on going! :-) Clear skies!

[@paulsmaglik5063]

Thanks!

[@lukomatico]

Aw blimey! - Thank you so much for that Paul, that's really kind of you my friend! :-) Clear skies!

[@paulholdsworth2502]

So impressed with your observatory Luke !! To build something of that quality is truly exceptional. When I first subscribed to your channel you were carrying out the eq 6, the esprit and lets not forget the trusty old chair ! What a game changer the observatory has been especially from a productivity perspective. Absolutely deserve the 10k subscribers mate ! I think the channel will continue to grow massively due to the quality of your content and your presentation style 👍

[@lukomatico]

Oh mate, that's fantastic haha! The trusty laptop chair feels like a lifetime ago! :-D I'm so thankful to have this space now, it's been a huge boon and given me some much needed space - couldn't be without it! :-) Thank you for the well-wishes for the future too Paul, with all the encouragement and support from fine folk such as yourself I've got every chance of continued growth going forwards! :-D Clear skies bud!

[@robertwilson6918]

Just brilliant I can't wait to get mine Built up brilliant work mate

[@lukomatico]

Go for it Robert!! - Can't wait mate, I think you're going to love doing it! :-) Clear skies buddy!

[@robertwilson6918]

I'm going to be putting a 16 skywatcher flex tube dobsonian in my observatory can't wait to get building it now I've have now finished my girlfriend summer house so it's my observatory next and your video's have really given up some good ideas so thanks for your help

[@seanwang7368]

Congratulations, Luke. 10k subscribers is a mile stone, haha! Your design and construction are excellent, great job!!

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much bud, you've really helped me hit this milestone!! I really do appreciate your friendship Sean 👍👍 Clear skies!

[@LiamMcDermott-r9w]

Hey Luke. Superb build, well done! You have inspired me to get my A-into-G and get on building my own observatory (which has been living rent-free in my head for more than 10 years now). Quick question right at end it looks as though you built cement telescope piers? If so, any tips or filmed advice you'd have? I realise I am a year late to the party, sorry! Cheers Liam

[@roberthope4723]

Hi Luke. Just sat and watched the 1 hour + video and well WOW! a great video but an even better end product. It really will inspire a lot of people to attempt a self build. Good luck and enjoy all yours and Chloe's, (and the teams ) hard work.

[@lukomatico]

Aw mate that's superb!! I'm beyond chuffed that you enjoyed the video enough to watch the whole thing, thank you! :-) I really do hope it inspires someone out there, and that doing their own brings them as much joy as it's brought me! Thanks so much for the great comment my friend, Clear skies!

[@TelfordO]

Hi Luke, congratulations on the 10K Here's to the next milestones 15K, 20K etc its fully deserved. When my interest wains (cloudy months in the UK) I find myself revisiting your "back catalogue of videos" you have shared a lot of information, even the small bits i had missed previously. Thank you. Ron

[@lukomatico]

That's lovely of you to say mate, thank you!! I'm really glad you've found my content enjoyable, I want to keep making plenty more in the future! :-) Hope you are doing well!

[@goonerwin1]

great video luke, brought back memories of my 24x24ft mancave, many headaches. the soundproofing tiles are a nightmare when they come vacuum packed, i ended up having to soak them in the bath because they wouldnt open up lol. jobs like these are always worth it in the end, great job mate and congrats on the 10k subscribers you deserve it 👏👏👍

[@lukomatico]

Thank you mate!!! Oh you're not kidding about the vacuum packed tiles LOL! I actually ended up putting mine in the tumble dryer in batches to get them to expand! :-D I'm glad to hear you liked the video mate! Thanks so much for your kind comment & clear skies to you :-)

[@AlexN-Astro]

I could never sell my bikes for an Observatory, I want a Observatory so badly, but when my life goes bad or things get dark, my bikes are whar pulls me through. Congratulations on what is an awesome Observatory build

[@lukomatico]

There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss my bike! Honestly wish I'd had the money to keep it at the time :-( That said, I do love my observatory and with the warm room setup as a studio, gaming room etc it's usable every day which is nice 👍 Thanks for watching mate!!

[@AlexN-Astro]

@@lukomatico I can only imagine. The Observatory is awesome! You've done a bang up job of it mate 👏 I've got a pier in the yard with my g11 on it permanently, so setup is relatively quick. My scope has the computer and power distribution mounted to it, so it's basically a case of throw the scope on the mount, run one power lead from the house to the distribution box and plug the mount power and communication cable in, and im away... plans are in place to do a small roll off shed, then the scope can stay out too, and I can have a big battery, with a solar panel on the roof to keep it charged. Should be up and running in 6 or 7 months... just holding off to make sure it's all planned out well enough so I don't end up saying "gee I wish I had of done this bit different."

[@lukomatico]

@@AlexN-Astro very nice mate, and very wise move to hold off on the build a while too! - I wish I'd had the room to make my whole building a little bigger to be honest, that'd be about the only thing I'd change 👍 Good luck & clear skies!

[@RumourHasitYT]

Really enjoyed seeing this, you have a fantastic space there Luke. Congratulation on 10,000 subs well deserved

[@lukomatico]

Hey Tom! - Hope you are doing well mate :-) I'm happy you liked the vid! I'm glad it's finally out there on the internet and not hanging over me like a dark cloud LOL! what a ton of work to edit! I really appreciate your kind words and the support you give, thank you my friend! :-) All the best!

[@petesastrophotography]

This was a great watch and very inspirational. Congrats on getting to 10K, very well deserved. Your videos are such a good source of information for both beginners and more experienced astrophotographers. Also extra love for Radley🙂

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Pete!!! Hugely kind words mate, I very much appreciate it! :-) Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead my friend, clear skies!

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Hi mate congratulations on your 10K subs very interesting video watching the build but cutting those aluminium rails that looked a right pain. Good to see the snoring pug at the beginning helping out I always remember hearing him snoring in one of your videos lol can't remember which one it is now though. Shame the bikes had to go I miss having one myself had a few over the years but not for a long time now. Great content as always clear skies!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much Tich! :-D Chuffed you liked the video mate, and I didn't know you'd had a bike too - that's ace! RE: the rails btw, my goodness that was the most horrible job on the build lol - I was finding aluminium chippings on my body for a bloody week after! Clear skies bud!

[@GarnettLeary]

Awesome journey. Where did you keep all the footage? Thank you for documenting it. Well done. Well deserved

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for watching Garnett! - Glad you liked it mate :-D I wish I'd had a better plan for documenting things but everything happened like a whirlwind haha, still - it turned out I had enough footage to tell the story and fill the blanks with voiceover! I kept all the footage in a folder on my PC for ages, too afraid to dive in and tackle it all! - it took forever to sift through the clips and images, eventually piecing together the puzzle into something semi-coherent haha Clear skies buddy!

[@Seafox0011]

Wonderful exposition of your observatory build project. Thanks for making this video of your progress and process! Am wondering how you made/installed the solid pier bases?

[@lukomatico]

Thank you ever so much for the great comment!! - RE: the piers, it was a design I came up with and turned into a youtube video! Hope it's useful to you :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZmve2CfZteXeJY

[@KopLamp]

Congrats on the 10K. I remember the days that we were growing alongside each other ;-) I am probably going to reach 3K around April. What a nice video. Sent it along to a friend who is building his own obsy. I won't have enough room in my garden for one, so I keep focusing on simplifying my rigs. Next up for me is my AM5 video, which will show just that. A pretty much fully optimized setup. Why didn't you use that triangle you left unused between the telescope room and the fence? Could've been storage area?

[@lukomatico]

Thanks Martin my friend!! :-D I'm glad you liked the build! I think a truly portable & easy to setup rig is perhaps better than an observatory, as you've got the option to be anywhere in your garden to hit certain targets, - or go on a road trip to better skies of course! I can't wait to see your new setup with the AM5! I appreciate you sharing the video with your friend by the way, thanks!! Hope you are keeping well, and here's to 3k bud! (re: the unused triangle, - I may add a 'maintenance hatch' at some point so I can reach it, but you are right - it would have been good to incorporate it into the design better!)

[@ferenc-x7p]

Fantastic job! Let me introduce my carpentry skills: Took me 2 week to isolate a section in my basement from the cats. yes, I made a door also. So if there is one thing I always avoided in my life, that was carpentry and masonry. Sorry for all the carpenters and masons out there, but I just don't trust my own work, I wouldn't sleep in a room, that I made myself lol!

[@lukomatico]

Aw mate, that's superb though! :-D you got stuck in and finished the job, respect! Thanks so much for watching the video and taking the time to comment my friend, it's appreciated! Clear skies!

[@Astro_Shed]

Absolutely great build, love the design and the finished product….the only thing I would have done different, was used EDPM rubber roof instead of the felt, as it would have been one complete piece, glued down and would last a lifetime…otherwise perfect…. Oh and congrats on the 10k subscribers….👍🏻

[@lukomatico]

Thank you! :-D I agree on the roofing by the way, that would have been superior for sure! If ever I build another observatory I'll do it that way, 100% :-) Chuffed that you like the build my friend!! Clear skies!

[@paulbenoit249]

great video of a great piece of work. Congrats for the end result. Could you share the overall dim specs of that new man cave? Have you kept track of the overall costs for such a build? Anything you would have done differently if that was to be done again? Thxs and congrats again.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks ever so much mate!! I really appreciate it 👍👍 From memory It's around 10.5ft long by 7ft inside dimension for the obsy itself, the warm room is around 9.5ft by 14-ish ft IIRC, total cost was about 8k in GBP if I recall Cheers!

[@siegfriednoet]

Very interesting video Luke, great work you did there on building this beautiful observatory, well done and congratulations on the 10k subscribers ! I am just curious how you finished off the roof on the back side, so how did you make it weatherproof on that side ?

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Siegfried! That's really nice of you to say mate, I'm glad you like it :-) Re: the roofing, it was two-part roofing felt with a 30+ year lifespan 👍 Thank you for watching!

[@simonpepper5053]

Well done Luke on the subs well deserved and you made that build look easy when I am sure it wasnt. As a really rough estimate on the materials and tools do you know what you spent for the exterior? Oh and finally congrats on your engagement looking forward to the wedding vlog :)

[@lukomatico]

Thank you Simon!! :-D Ah mate it was a grind at times with some of the more laborious/boring tasks, but fortunately they were only brief as we powered through the build as soon as possible! RE: cost, I reckon it was about 4k to get the shell up, roofed and watertight :-) Adding extra then for insulation, wiring, sockets, fusebox, plasterboards, wallpaper, lighting, furniture and soft-furnishing probably added another 1.5/2k - it cost a chunk for sure but blimey was it ever worth it, so glad I just bit the bullet and didn't skimp on anything! Clear skies mate!

[@nikaxstrophotography]

Were the pavers cemented down? I missed how they remained stable, Also congrats on 10K subs!!

[@lukomatico]

Bonded to the frame etc with a polymer adhesive :-) Thanks so much Nik!! Clear skies mate!

[@cemoguz2786]

Nice motorcycle.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate!! 👍

[@PhilPassmore]

Hi Luke, just subscribed to your channel, finding you via the filter episode of Cuiv the lazy geek. The observatory has struck a chord with me, as I am just in the position of bringing my own mini observatory into play, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum to yours, basically an 8x6 shed with a flip open roof. I mounted mine on stilts though, as although adjacent to an open field, there are a few obstructions around, that even an extra 2m of height help me deal with (I reckon it gives me almost an extra ten degrees of altitude). Would love to show you some pics, but can't see a way of doing it here on YT.

[@lukomatico]

That's superb Phil! Thank you very much for your support mate, it's appreciated! RE: showing your obsy, I'm on instagram if that helps mate! same name on there :-) Admittedly I don't check my messages on there too often, but i'll see it sooner or later and get back to you! Clear skies mate :-)

[@walterhaase]

At 59:47 is that a Tim Hortons cup beside you?

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! - it is indeed, haha! :-) Good eye!!

[@anata5127]

You like PixInsight. You probably know that modern astro software made in Texas. You could easily exchange that backyard to West Texas bortle 1 (solid 1) 10-30 acres in middle of nowhere. Then you could get massive observatory 3000+ sq. f More clear days as well. Then, set hosting business, open radio channel “astro”, KZbin channel “astro in paradise “, etc.😉

[@lukomatico]

I like the way you think haha!! It would be a lot of fun to do something like that, but would probably take a lot more resources than I have at my disposal right now! 😅 Who knows what the future holds though! Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@anata5127]

@@lukomatico Rome wasn’t built in one day. Thus, I long wanted to do astronomy, but actually started to do 20 years later. It is very tough hobby (and profession for others). Now, I have more time and more resources to do so. So, you have a lot of time ahead and it is never bad thing to have big plans.

[@woody5109]

My wife worked with brain injured adults for 20 years, people falling off ladders, counter tops, strokes, car accidents exc. 40%+ of their patients were motorcycle riders. Astrophotography is much safer,good life choice.

[@lukomatico]

I appreciate the thought Woody mate! - I've gotta be honest though, I really do miss my bike sometimes haha! Clear skies bud :-)

[@ws5246]

Fantastic Video Luke.. Great advice for us all, and a service to the community to avoid us falling into some of the same pitfalls. Picked up some great tips for when I move back up north and start my own build. Well done on the 10k subsribers mate, soooo well deserved. You've worked hard to achieve your dream and it gives me a warm feeling to see the enjoyment you get from your new obsy, keep up the great work buddy. Ckear skies 🪐🌟🔭

[@lukomatico]

Aw mate that's wonderful to read :-D Honestly made me smile! I'm chuffed to have your support mate, thanks ever so much for such a positive comment too! Clear skies!