Location
Černý důl, Czech Republic
50°40’13.3″N 15°42’48.1″E
Completion date
2019
Authors
project management: Hana Seho, Jan Světlík
student team: Matouš Štrba (author of the proposal), Anna Bredová, Monika Jůzová, Vojtěch Sigl, Štěpán Tylš
Consultants
Tomáš Bryčka, Vladimír Janata (static solution)
Collaboration
CABLETECH, Excon, SFS intec, Trámy.cz, Zámečnictví Tomáš Beran
Investor
Administration of the Krkonoše National Park, FA CTU
Authors of photos
Martin Čeněk, Jiří Ryszawy
The footbridge over the Čistá River at the Hrnčířské Budy is located in a narrow ravine and in a sharp curve. Its spatially distinctive form is made up of seven wooden isosceles triangles, which are connected by steel elements and float thanks to steel rods. The ‘tread’ of the plank footbridge is inserted into this basic structural box. Those who walk through the footbridge structure can examine every detail and touch the individual elements. The footbridge respects several predefined basic assumptions and principles. The first is demountability. It is difficult to get to the chosen location, so the footbridge is made up of smaller elements that are easier to handle. Another assumption is to minimise physical interference with nature and, above all, to maintain the flow profile of the river bed. The entire footbridge structure transmits only vertical forces to the foundations, this allows the footings to be minimised. The climatic conditions, especially in terms of humidity, are unfavourable at the site, so the footbridge tries to avoid horizontal surfaces and places where water accumulates. The more complex parts are therefore made of steel, which is superior in durability to the other material used, wood. The footbridge is intended to arouse curiosity and questions about its stability and to encourage closer examination.
