Czech Radiocommunications have begun repairing the casing of the transmitter on Ještěd

Liberec - Czech Radiocommunications have started repairing the shell of the mountain hotel and transmitter on Ještěd. In places where the broadcasting antennas are hidden, the shell was already severely damaged, so it was necessary to replace it. The reconstruction depends on the weather; it must not rain, low humidity and low wind speed are required. If the weather is suitable, the work should be completed by July, said Markéta Šveňková from Czech Radiocommunications, which has owned the unique building since 2000.
In the area where the antennas are, the load-bearing structure is made of fiberglass rods, and the shell itself is assembled from sandwich panels with a protective surface layer made of foil. This layer is severely damaged and must be replaced. "The covering strips of the vertical joints of the panels and foil strips are also being replaced, both internal and external," added Šveňková. According to her, approximately 620 square meters of foil, 1700 meters of protective strips, and around 3000 plastic anchors need to be replaced. "All work is being carried out in an climbing manner," she added.
The Ještěd mountain hotel is a Czech building of the century. The 94-meter-high hyperboloid uniquely combines the functions of a transmitter, hotel, and restaurant. The foundation stone of the building was ceremonially laid 45 years ago - in July 1966. Its author, Karel Hubáček, received the Perret Award from the International Union of Architects for the project in 1969. Both experts and laypeople are still captivated by the way the building complements the silhouette of the 1012-meter-high mountain. The region is striving to register the structure on the UNESCO heritage list.
Czech Radiocommunications purchased the building for 85 million crowns and have had to invest additional millions in it over recent years. According to Šveňková, the repair of the shell at the site of the antennas will not be the end of repairs on Ještěd. "A reconstruction of access ramps, concrete railings, and facade elements that have been damaged due to weather conditions or improperly performed waterproofing is being prepared," added the spokesperson for ČRa. An expert assessment for this project has already been completed, and the selection of a designer will follow. Repairs will likely limit access to the building and the lookout on Ještěd. "If the project documentation is approved, we expect to start repairs next year," Šveňková added.
Czech Radiocommunications are currently only making partial repairs; the building, which has served the public for 38 years and has been a national cultural monument since 2006, needs a complete renovation according to architects and conservationists. This conclusion comes from a study commissioned by the Liberec Region. "The engineering networks are now outdated, and the fiberglass shell of the building also needs renewal. The expected lifespan of the material was originally calculated at 20 years, but it has already experienced nearly double that time," said Lidie Vajnerová, deputy governor of Liberec for culture, to ČTK.
The expert committee recommended that during the revitalization of Ještěd, the heritage values should be respected. A technical survey should be conducted, and a construction and historical survey should be completed. According to experts, living authors, beside architect Karel Hubáček, should participate in the preparation of the project, including Otakar Binar, structural engineers Zdeněk Patrman and Zdeněk Zachař, or construction designer Václav Bůžek. For instance, the later addition of the so-called winter entrance and the temporary glazing of the balcony should be removed. The interiors should be restored as closely as possible to their original appearance. The estimated costs for the reconstruction range between 200 and 400 million crowns. "Much will depend on the material used for the new shell," explained Vajnerová.