From the Block to the Observatory — Demolition and Site Preparation (August 12–20, 2025)

This summer of 2025, I began one of the most exciting adventures of my life: building my own astronomical observatory in my backyard. The goal is to have a stable and functional space for my observations, with a sliding roof, a fixed column for the main telescope, and a direct connection from my home.

It all began with an old family stable where my uncle Santiago Cuervo raised calves. That small building, filled with memories and old materials, was the starting point for the project, as I needed to tear it down to get started.

Phase 1: Demolition (August 12–16, 2025)

On August 12th, I began dismantling the metal roof and the beams that supported it. I documented the entire process in several time-lapses, but I forgot to do so with the roof removal. The first two accompany this post, and I used a song that I think fits it perfectly.

On August 14th, I continued dismantling the gates, removing the manger area, and demolishing the walls, working double shifts. It was an intense but very satisfying day: for the first time, the land was beginning to clear.

On August 16, I set about removing the remains: old tiles, bricks, beams, and materials that had accumulated over the years. Although not everything was rubble—much of it was part of the site's history—it was necessary to clean up thoroughly before we could continue.

Phase 2: Land Clearing and Grading (August 19–20, 2025)

On August 19, a mini-excavator was deployed to clear debris and completely level the area. The following day, August 20, the ground was ready for foundation work.

That same day, we also prepared a side ditch for a small access road, a detail my wife, Beatriz Sánchez, wanted to incorporate. The road is made of railroad ties (also called sleepers), composed of iron beams and concrete blocks that give the structure a sturdy and rustic aesthetic.

And so the observatory project began to take shape, which without me realizing it had advanced at a dizzying pace.

I'm leaving you with some images where you can see the change after completing the tasks shown in the videos.

With the land now cleared and leveled, it's time to take the next big step: preparing the materials and beginning to build the observatory walls. In Part 2, I'll tell you how, block by block, the structure that today supports my astronomical dream was born.

Until the next entry.