‘Sky Walk’ completed in the Czech Republic

In the mountains near Dolni Morava, construction of a new ‘Sky Walk’ has been completed above a forest valley. Franek Architects were lucky enough to work on a project that includes an observation deck sitting 180 feet from the ground.

The design has snake-like tendencies as it meanders meaning that the view is constantly changing as the rise takes you to over 1,100 metres above sea level. Many factors have also been taken into consideration in the design which allows wheelchairs and pushchairs; if needed, a slide (walled with windows) can also be used for the journey back to the starting point. The reward at the top of the walk is a huge netted area, acting as a hammock, providing wonderful views of the scenery below.

Zdenik Franek, of Franek Architects, said of the project “We wanted to create a new kind of experience where people better realise how small they are in the bosom of nature. There are constructions of a similar size but ours takes on an abstract form that suggests the flight of a nocturnal butterfly whose path is seemingly chaotic. I don’t know of any other timber constructions of a similar size and purpose.”

Surprisingly, much of the construction was completed by hand as many safety laws prohibited the use of machinery on the mountain itself. With only a crane for help, many of the workers had to climb the structure as it grew. It is believed that around 400 tonnes of steel, 550 cubic metres of timber as well as around 45,000 clamps, pins and bolts, were used in total.

Executive Director of Taros Nova (construction company), Radek Ondruch, has said “It was like when the first New York skyscrapers were built; images of the Empire State Building came to mind. The construction was a unique experience that required us to follow a path of courage and self-knowledge. We found ourselves in a completely different situation from what we’re used to, having to build so high above sea level in difficult terrain with changeable weather, where all of the materials and equipment had to be transported. It was astonishing and chilling all at the same time.”

Both summer and winter activities can be found with a wellness hotel for all visitors to the Dolni Morava Relax and Sport Resort in addition to a snow park and bobsleigh.