Hýlačka Lookout Tower
The new Hýlačka lookout tower was opened in August 2015 in place of the original structure erected in 1920 and destroyed by fire in 2012. Overlooking the historic town of Tábor, the old wooden tower was reminiscent of its hussite heritage and much loved by its residents and visitors alike.
In 2012, an architectural competition was held to select a new design of the Hýlačka tower. With the mentioned historic consequences in mind, together with the client's (Czech Tourism Club) requirement of a considerably taller and cost effective structure, as well as current fire codes, our three key design ideas for the new tower are:
1/ The shape of the new steel tower is inspired by the old structure but entirely modern. The lookout platform rests on a pair of columns which support the staircase. The columns are held in place by steel rods referring to the edges of the old tower.
2/ The new tower is transparent. The diagonal pattern of the old tower's cladding is repeated on the new structure's envelope. The tower in wrapped stainless steel mesh, defining its shape while serving as a part of the guardrails.
3/ Wood, traditionally associated with the Czech Tourist Club's towers, is used on the lookout platform. Wood from trees felled on the building site have been used on the platform's floor and ceiling.
The tower is located within the village of Větrovy near Tábor, in a residential neighborhood. The site of the tower creates a natural focal- and meeting point for both residents and visitors.
The lookout platform is at 25 metres as requested by the client. The tower's total height is 35.6m. The originally designed adjoining wooden support building was not constructed due to financial reasons. The total construction costs were less than 6 million CZK.
In 2012, an architectural competition was held to select a new design of the Hýlačka tower. With the mentioned historic consequences in mind, together with the client's (Czech Tourism Club) requirement of a considerably taller and cost effective structure, as well as current fire codes, our three key design ideas for the new tower are:
1/ The shape of the new steel tower is inspired by the old structure but entirely modern. The lookout platform rests on a pair of columns which support the staircase. The columns are held in place by steel rods referring to the edges of the old tower.
2/ The new tower is transparent. The diagonal pattern of the old tower's cladding is repeated on the new structure's envelope. The tower in wrapped stainless steel mesh, defining its shape while serving as a part of the guardrails.
3/ Wood, traditionally associated with the Czech Tourist Club's towers, is used on the lookout platform. Wood from trees felled on the building site have been used on the platform's floor and ceiling.
The tower is located within the village of Větrovy near Tábor, in a residential neighborhood. The site of the tower creates a natural focal- and meeting point for both residents and visitors.
The lookout platform is at 25 metres as requested by the client. The tower's total height is 35.6m. The originally designed adjoining wooden support building was not constructed due to financial reasons. The total construction costs were less than 6 million CZK.
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Pavel Nasadil
25.05.16 10:24
Máme
Milan
26.05.16 07:27
Omlouvám se,
Ivoš
26.05.16 08:42
Skvělé
Tomáš
30.05.16 11:09
add Ivoš
Pavel
30.05.16 08:00
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