The reconstruction of the Liebieg Palace in Liberec is a third complete

Liberec – The reconstruction of the Liebieg Palace in Liberec, costing more than 200 million crowns, is about one third complete. However, due to the poorer condition of the wooden parts of the building, which was constructed nearly 140 years ago, it will take longer and cost more money. So far, we have extended the deadline by a month, said Jan Lajksner, a technical specialist from the Liberec city hall to ČTK.

According to him, further delays cannot be ruled out, which is not unusual for the reconstruction of old buildings. "We are one third into the work, with a lot of knowledge already. There shouldn't be too many surprises left," Lajksner added. The city hall currently estimates that the costs of converting the palace into a meeting and community center will be over five million higher than the original price from the public tender, reaching 209 million crowns. The work is expected to be completed by May next year.

The renovation of the palace, which was built as a family residence by the factory owner Johann Liebieg Jr. in the 19th century, began last September. The wooden structures are in significantly worse condition than expected due to wood rot. Its spread was aided by the fact that the building had been empty since the Regional Gallery moved out at the end of 2014. According to Lajksner, the extent of the damage could not be precisely known because, as usual, only exploratory probes were conducted during the project preparation. Additionally, the wood-decaying fungus continued to spread from the time of the investigation. For this reason, the mycologist checked each beam during the renovation, after which it was also assessed by a structural engineer. "These are works that were not anticipated to such an extent. But if it's to be done responsibly, so that we’re not uncovering finished floors in five or ten years, we all agreed that we have to do it this way," the technical specialist noted.

Today’s standards show that the ceiling is unusually made, measuring about half a meter thick, consisting of two beam systems. The lower ones are referred to as "cattail beams," where planks are attached below the beams, with reed plaster and decorative stucco ceilings. The upper beam system supports the floor above. As sound insulation between the two beam systems, planks filled with clay sand were laid. After the reconstruction, mineral wool will be inserted as insulation. "So far, we have repaired the ceiling between the second and third floors, and now the rough floors are being laid. Once they are laid, we can start repairing the rafters to allow for their support because some parts need repair. The ceiling between the first and second floors will also be treated similarly," Lajksner added. According to him, no treasures were found during the reconstruction, unless one counts a forgotten well located where the former stable used to be. It is approximately 15 meters deep, with water rising to five meters high. This, too, awaits repair, and the water will be used for watering the garden.

The Liebieg Palace will become a meeting place for people ranging from children to seniors, as well as various social groups. Inside the palace, there will be a large hall, an art studio with a workshop, exhibition spaces, computer and multipurpose rooms, two gymnasiums, and there will also be a café and a gardening club with a ceramic kiln and greenhouse.