A minimalist observatory is no more than a normal setup, mount and telescope, are not being protected from the weather by putting into a shed or dome but instead the mount and the telescope themselves are made weather resistant.
A minimalist observatory ( MBO ) may become a convenient solution (or the only one viable) because it not requires any building permit.
We all know that the reasons for an observatory are to protect the instrument and the astronomer from the weather. Both roll of or dome are good solutions with just some slightly different pros and cons.
The mai issue with a MBO is that you have to give up to the protection of the astronomer. This coul be a non issue if the telescope will be mostly used in remote, or when the weather is not too cold or windy, but obviously could be a critical decision need.
A MBO has also a extremely interesting feature for remote operations. It minimizes the complexity of moving large structures like roof or domes and shutters with all the connected mechanical, electrical, electronic systems, not to say of the control software. This highly increase the reliability of the operation of the observatory which is a paramount factor for remote operations. And this an invaluable plus for remote operated telescopes. The less component you have the more reliable your system is.
Since the observatory coalesces in just two small boxes, plus maybe a control box, it cost is minimum. In fact it give up to a lot of large structures, components, electronic, motors,… It has be also noted that it impact and visibility on the landscape is minimized. Well, I have to admit it could not be as sexy as a white glaring dome!
The possibility to enclose the mount in a weather resistant box depends on the mount design. Not all the mounts can easily be converted. For example a kinf of mount difficult to convert are fork mounts. But it always be possible to find a mount that may be converted in a safe weather resistant one and fit your telescope. Maybe you have to consider a larger mount, not so much for the added weight of the boxes, but mostly for the increase in the surface exposed to the wind.
While not all mount may be converted, enclosing the telescope in a box is usually, a non issue. You have just to consider two main design factors.
The first is to make the scope enclosure partly removable along the focal point in order to use the scope visually.
The second is that you need a shutter to protect the aperture of the scope when not in use.
If you have more than one telescope you may consider a box such that it will contain each of them or you may opt for a box for each telescope.
The parking position is also worth considering since could maximize the weather resistance. Usually the best parking position is when the telescope is pointing slighting down.
So, in case you are prevented to own a conventional observatory don’t give up and consider a MOB. You my look at my MOB to get some inspiration. You also could find interesting ideas in the posts or comments on my blog area.