Doubravka Tower

Prague has gained a new lookout tower. Doubravka in Prague 14 was created thanks to the collaboration of the municipal district, a private partner, and donors.

The metropolis has its first publicly accessible lookout tower since the completion of the Žižkov TV Tower. Doubravka, as the tower that has grown in the past year at Černý Most is called by its authors, is not just any construction. It is unique in many respects - original design, materials used, the fact that it comes from the “workshop” of a world-renowned architect, and the methodology of its realization. The idea to enrich Prague 14 with a lookout tower was conceived in 2013 by the mayor of this district, Mgr. Radek Vondra. He inspired the private investor and engineering company Landia Management s.r.o., which is implementing the new residential quarter Rajský vrch in the area of Prague 14, and together they began to address who would turn their ideas into reality. The choice of whom to approach was quick and clear due to numerous references and a distinctive approach to each addressed area - architect Martin Rajniš and his Huť architektury. Landia Management s.r.o. paid three million crowns for the new lookout tower, which financed an additional million crowns for the preparatory phases and coordination of the whole project. Everyone also agrees on the active involvement of the public, which supported the construction with donations worth nearly half a million crowns in the form of purchasing steps with personal messages.

“I am very happy that Čihadla, specifically the Horka hill, is adorned after about a year of hard work by such a beautiful wicker structure. I perceive Doubravka as a very strong symbol and a new landmark of the municipal district. I believe that its originality will attract visitors both near and far,” says Mayor Vondra. According to him, Doubravka is the first step towards the development of the entire Čihadla, specifically towards their revitalization into a natural park offering facilities for various activities. “I appreciate that Martin Rajniš found the right inspiration for his next work right here with us,” he adds.

Doubravka opens almost exactly on the anniversary of the moment four years ago when a twelve-meter prototype of the future lookout tower was erected on the banks of the Kyjský pond. Three years were spent observing and measuring the joints and bending of the material before the commencement of the doubled-height tower. The implementation then took a whole year. This demonstrates that the new, publicly accessible lookout tower, which the residents of Prague have awaited for more than twenty-five years, is a typical example of experimental architecture. It was designed for a specific location with constructional details that can be seen nowhere else. “Experimental obviously does not mean unfinished or uncertain. Each centimeter is calculated and tested. It's more about the construction process, where we verified sketches and plans directly on site. In wind, rain, frost, or blazing sun,” explains Prof. Ing. Arch. Martin Rajniš, who, along with his team from the Huť architektury studio, was not only responsible for the design but also for the realization of Doubravka. They had to deal with changes in the shape of the three bases, a shortage of acacia roundwood as the basic building material, and the inaccessibility of the construction site for several months. The result is entirely convincing, as evidenced by enthusiastic reactions on social media.

The signature of Huť architektury is reflected in the triangular pyramid shape as well as in the chosen materials. Easily renewable yet durable acacia wood (over 7 kilometers of small logs, including waste) predominates, supplemented by larch and steel elements. The highest point of the tower rises to a height of 23.5 meters thanks to the weather vane. “Acacia is the best material we could use in terms of durability. From experience, I know that a lot depends on the orientation of elements in the construction; horizontal ones degrade significantly faster, and we have a minimum of those. We also have a steel support designed under Doubravka, which we can install in 15 years. There's certainly no risk that in 2033, the place of Doubravka would be empty again,” adds architect David Kubík, who was responsible for the construction of the lookout tower within the Huť architektury team.

The municipal district will acquire the lookout tower during the summer. However, Doubravka, which has 98 steps leading to a platform at a height of 20 meters, will be open to the public from June 15. And this will be without any restrictions, except for the off-season period from November to March. At one time, nine people can stand on the top.

Doubravka is the symbolic cornerstone of the revitalization of the Čihadla area. This year, the renovation of hiking trails, bike paths, and other communications will begin. The plan also includes the installation of several small architecture elements, play structures for children, the creation of resting, relaxing, or picnic areas, and facilities for refreshments right at the lookout tower. Part of the so-called Path to Doubravka is also a children's playground, which opened last autumn in the Rajský vrch residential quarter.

The municipal district is preparing a proposal for the long-term development of the valuable natural recreational zone of Čihadla together with the Palestra University of Physical Education and Sport. One of the main landmarks in the future will also be the planned sports complex on Ocelkova Street, which will arise from the revitalization of unused areas. By connecting Čihadla and the park U Čeňku, one of the largest forest parks in the capital city should be created. The goal is to offer residents of Prague 14, tourists, and enthusiasts of running or cycling an attractive location that provides diverse recreation, relaxation, and exploration. Regarding the composition of flora and fauna, Čihadla is one of the most inspiring places in the capital.

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