Kunětická hora Castle
Joinery that carries forward Dušan Jurkovič's legacy.
Our work on the restoration of Kunětická hora Castle drew on Dušan Jurkovič's distinctive use of timber in architecture. We repaired surviving elements and made new ones to historic patterns. Proportions, the arrangement of panels and glazing, colour and craftsmanship were central to preserving the character of each piece.
Entrance gate & doorsets
We restored the timber sections of the main entrance gate along with its original metal fittings. Damaged areas were repaired and renewed while retaining the original construction and appearance. A linseed-oil-based finish brought out the grain. We made new glazed doorsets in spruce to match the originals, including the glazing divisions and coloured details of Jurkovič's design. These, too, were finished with oil.
Exterior staircase
We made the exterior staircase as a faithful reproduction of the historic design, with careful attention to proportions and traditional construction. The supporting structure is larch, with oak treads and walking surfaces. Shaped posts, timber balustrades and a shingled roof complete the design, reflecting Jurkovič's connection to traditional building craft.
Hand-split wooden shingles
The restoration also included a roof of hand-split wooden shingles. Each shingle was fitted to the shape of the roof and carefully laid with the correct overlap. It is in these small transitions that the hand work behind the finished roof becomes clear.
Interior staircase
We made the interior staircase and adjoining balustrade in oak. Particular care went into the fit of the individual components and their relationship to the surrounding interior. The oil finish brings out the natural oak grain and allows the surface to be maintained over time.
Viewed from below, the staircase reveals its structure and the way its components meet. Craftsmanship matters even in places we rarely see.
Visitor ticket office
We made the bespoke ticket office in larch. Framed construction, panelled sections and contrasting colour details follow Jurkovič's approach to the interior. The oil finish brings out the grain and ties the different parts of the arrangement together.
Behind the sales counter, open shelving sits alongside closed storage and glazed display cabinets with LED lighting. The arrangement connects to the ticket window, adapting the historic character of the interior to everyday visitor use.
More from the project
Further doors, details and photographs from the workshop and installation show the wider scope of the commission, from individual components to their final fitting on site.