Prague - The reconstruction of the Barrandov Terraces will be delayed due to extensive work on the functionalist historical building from 1928 and the complicated stabilization of the slope for the construction of a new building in the complex. According to architect Ondřej Kukral, the situation now allows for the continuation of the proper reconstruction and construction according to the original plan. However, the completion of the entire complex will be postponed, with the architect estimating that it is realistically two to three years away. This was stated by architects Kukral and Ladislav Kuba during a press tour of the building today.
"The scope of work was much larger than we expected. The reinforced concrete structure and the foundation of this building were beyond their lifespan," said Kukral, who is responsible for the reconstruction of the historical building, which was created under the architectural leadership of Max Urban at the end of the 1920s based on the visions of Václav M. Havel, the father of the future Czech president.
According to Kukral, demanding work has been taking place recently on the historical building, from securing the foundations to repairing the structure. "The work that has been done here always in cooperation with the National Heritage Institute has helped stabilize the building, and today the structure is at a level where we can continue with the classic reconstruction of the building," Kukral added.
The project for the new appearance of the historical building should retain its original atmosphere, according to the architect. It will also include a restaurant and a bistro. "A restaurant in the style of the 1930s is to be established here. It should focus on a similar cuisine that was served to the general public back then," said the future operator of the restaurant, Robert Chejn. There are no plans to restore the legendary Trilobit bar, which became part of the complex in the mid-1930s.
In close proximity to the historical building, two more buildings will appear. They are to serve as accommodation facilities with apartments. One section, shaped like the letter S, will grow directly on the site of the original outdoor terraces. "Construction is starting. Until now, we have mainly dealt with the issue of stabilizing the slope. Only in recent days has the construction of the above-ground part begun, and that from the south," architect Ladislav Kuba explained the construction process.
The functionalist building of the Barrandov Terraces became the center of Prague's elite and acting stars in the 1930s. However, especially after World War II, the building began to change its appearance and gradually fell into disrepair. In the 1950s, the adjacent pool with a diving tower was closed, and three decades later, the Trilobit bar followed.
Since 2001, the complex has been owned by entrepreneur Michalis Dzikos. Repair work and reconstruction of the historical building and its surroundings began in September 2016. The architects declined to comment on the total costs today; however, according to previous estimates, it should be an investment between 200 and 500 million crowns.
"It's quite a challenging task because the public knows the Barrandov Terraces in their original form as a cult excursion restaurant with outdoor terraces. However, they cannot function in this first-republic state today because the surroundings have changed completely," architect Kuba said earlier to ČTK regarding the planned appearance of the complex.
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.