0004. A static site built with Astro

• Status: Accepted
• Date: 2026-09-27

Context

The prototype is one hand-assembled HTML file. The rebuild needs a page per device model, space type, site and space, generated from the YAML, and it should be free and simple to host.

Options considered:

1. A plain build script that stitches HTML together, like the prototype. Nothing new to learn, but routing and templating get hand-rolled.
2. A single-page app that loads all the data into the browser. Smooth in-app motion, but one URL for everything.
3. A static site generator that reads the YAML at build time and writes finished pages.

Decision

Option 3, using Astro. The site is hosted on GitHub Pages.

• The validator runs first and is the single gate. Astro only reads data that has already passed.
• Interactive parts (model morph, Settings) are small scripts on otherwise plain HTML and CSS.

Consequences

• Every device, space and site gets its own link that can be shared.
• Hosting is static files: no server to run or patch.
• Astro is a Node dependency that needs keeping up to date.

Source: Astro: Deploy to GitHub Pages.