33 metres, 96 steps, 606 metres above sea level. These are the numbers associated with the new lookout tower, which was inaugurated on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 10:00 am after eight years of preparation at the Krušné mountains in Křivoklátsko. It‘s name is Máminka and it stands on the site of an old triangular tower, the peak of which was a brave expedition a hundred years ago. It has the shape of a triangular pyramid with a banner on the top. The viewing tower is by architects Martin Rajniš, David Kubík, Martin Kloda and Tomáš Kosnar from studio Huť Architektury, who jointly completed the project to a successful end.
"When I thought about Máminka, I remembered childhood years and a triangulation point where I liked to climb. During the building of it, they used a triangular construction that is simple and rational", explains Martin Rajniš. It was here that he drew inspiration for the shape of Máminka. He is convinced that the lookout tower is one of the few buildings that is accepted positively by the Czech public. "It's mainly a service to people. You are outdoors, in nature, looking around you, silence is everywhere, and when there is a beautiful outlook, then you are well. The view from the lookout tower is extraordinary", says Martin Rajniš.
The Máminka observation tower had to wait eight years for its construction. The management of Hudlice was looking for a suitable way of financing and, eventually, the construction succeeded in being incorporated into the grant title. In addition to the construction of the lookout tower, the nature trail around Krušné Mountains will also be financed, the furniture in the house of Josef Jungmann and its electrification and the access roads will be strengthened in Hudlice rocks increasing the attractiveness of Hudlice as a tourism destination.
"Nothing happened for a long time, and then it started. The project of the lookout tower was revived and we were again approached to get going on it", says Martin Rajniš. Thanks to the fact that his team has accumulated a lot of experience with wooden structures over the past years, they could make even more of Máminka. "We recalculated the statics and revised the structure. We chose quality material - deep-stained larch and added a whole range of elements that help lookout towers to last longer", he adds. In the lookout tower, the architects placed a round oak staircase, which, according to Rajniš, his team has been specifying for many years. "It's quick, inexpensive and good looking. A threaded rod passes through the centre, we used the oak and the stairs hung from above. They are over twenty metres high. Above them is a round lookout area that protects the transparent membrane. It is to protect the staircase from the rain and to guarantee a long-term dry life for the tower", says Martin Rajniš. "We put the banner at the top. It is such a symbol of our buildings, especially the lookout towers. It gives a signal from where the wind is blowing, indicates direction, its reliable, precise, yet natural. "
The tower look-outs designed by studio Hut‘ Architektury are always wooden and see-through. They operate simply, they are built to withstand weather conditions and can withstand great forces. "When looking at the treetop, it's also see-through. Just like our lookout towers. Natural beauty, natural materials, simplicity and lightness. And so is Máminka", adds the acclaimed Czech architect.
The aim of his studio is to make the public and modern architecture meet. In order for people to find in their buildings what is near and dear to them. "My great plan and goal is to flip the switch of architecture and return it to the people. But we are at the beginning", adds Martin Rajniš.
Hut‘ Architektury Martin Rajniš
Photo credits: Petr Králík
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