In the Moravian Karst, two new buildings are being constructed for visitors

Blansko - In the center of the Protected Landscape Area of Moravian Karst in Blansko, two new facilities for tourists will be established this year. The first will be the House of Nature, costing 86 million crowns, which will present the karst as a unique natural site, the second will be the entrance building to the Punkva Caves, costing 48 million. Both buildings serve a similar purpose, but differ in their architectural concept. The House of Nature is made from natural materials, wood and stone, while the caves building is modern, made of glass, concrete, and steel. This was said today by officials from the karst administration to ČTK.
    The Punkva Caves are connected to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss, known for their stalactite decoration and underground boating, attracting nearly 200,000 tourists yearly. The designers of their new entrance building are architects Gustav Křivinka and Aleš Burián. They have also created the AZ Tower in Brno, which, at 111 meters, is the tallest building in the Czech Republic. As with this and other projects, the architects applied the latest solutions to the caves building as well.
    "The new building is supported by slanted metal columns. Exposed concrete is used as the masonry, which contrasts with the limestone rocks in the narrow Pustý Hollow, where access to the underground is made. Their image should be reflected in the glasses of the building," said Jiří Hebelka, head of the caves administration, to ČTK. The building is expected to open on September 1.
    It is a flat-roofed building that will be covered with grass. The original first-division building had to be demolished. Hebelka emphasized that buildings for tourists near caves are increasingly built worldwide according to bold designs and using the most modern materials. For example, the building in front of the Niaux cave in France serves as a visitor center covered with metal, which its creators intentionally allowed to rust.
    The House of Nature will be designed quite differently, as it is being built near Hotel Skalní mlýn, just two kilometers from the entrance to the Punkva Caves. Architect Pavel Pekár relied on classic materials - stone and wood. "We expect that this will blend better into the landscape. Naturally, there will be many ecological solutions related to heating or the use of utility water," said Leoš Štefka, head of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area, to ČTK today. The opening of the facility with an exhibition about the karst is planned for June. The exhibition is intended to explain to tourists why the Moravian Karst is protected.
    The projects in both cases are co-financed by the EU, which will cover up to 85 percent of the costs. The remainder will be covered by the state. Houses of Nature are expected to gradually arise in all national parks and protected areas in the country. According to ecologists, it is necessary to better explain to tourists how these exceptional areas can be protected.