The dome of the Paranal Residencia

Panoramic view of the central area of the Paranal Residencia, which is naturally lit through a 35-metre-diameter dome in the ceiling. The dome is supported by a metallic structure and made of a translucent polycarbonate, which softens the intense sunlight. At the centre of the dome, an umbrella-shaped blackout curtain automatically opens at sunset, to avoid any escape of artificial light, potentially dangerous for astronomical observations. The curtain closes automatically at sunrise and remains folded during the day. The main garden and the swimming pool keep a certain level of humidity inside the building, providing a more comfortable environment for the people who work at one of the driest sites on Earth. This award-winning construction was designed by German architects Auer+Weber.