Completion work

The dome will be completed in early March when the weather permits a week-long engagement by second year architects led by Michael Pike.

Site Works - latest photo

Site Works - Latest Images

Now What Exhibition

All the different Now What groups will be exhibiting their work in Smithfiled over the coming weeks. All are invited to the exhibition which opens Friday 9th at 7:30pm

Site Works - 20th September

Many thanks to Mark Halpin for these images.

Site Works Aug.31 - Sep.5

We now have completed all of the necessary brickwork to proceed with the dome!





We have placed an additional timber guide within the structure to aid in the correct positioning of the tiles for the dome. This guide represents the line of 1/2 of the dome (or 1/4 of a sphere) from springing point to oculus.



The dome tiles are cut to fit with the arches and laid out prior to plastering and placement.




The first layer of tiles is laid with a mix of pure gypsum plaster which is mixed in small batches immediately prior to laying as it hardens quickly in 1-2 minutes.



These tiles are laid in correct position by triangulating the line off of the timber guide. With practice the tile placement has become much quicker and cleaner.


The second layer of dome tiling is laid with concrete and set at a diagonal angle relative to the first tile layer. The dome gains strength through this process of lamination while breaking the joints.


Doming will proceed all week.