Malá Úpa is one of the most picturesque towns in the Czech Krkonoše Mountains. It is here, amidst this stunning natural setting and surrounded by traditional Krkonoše architecture, that the former Hotel Hořec has undergone a metamorphosis. The investment, carried out by the ADR projekt studio, has given this century-old, historic building a new role, transforming it into the Hořec Centre – a year-round centre for social, cultural and recreational activities.
The mountain village of Malá Úpa
The village of Malá Úpa stretches along the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains and is located near Sněžka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic (the border between Poland and the Czech Republic runs through the summit of Sněžka, which is why the mountain lies in both countries). This attractively located village has been drawing tourists all year round for years, while maintaining an intimate, almost alpine atmosphere. One of the most important parts of the village is its upper region, where the Hořec Centre was built. For decades, Studio ADR, in cooperation with the SKIMU ski resort team, has been implementing projects here, whose greatest ambition is to respect the local landscape and building traditions.
The century-old Hotel Hořec
The Hořec Hotel was built in 1928. For almost a hundred years, it served as a place to stay, but over time, there was a need to give it a new purpose. Over the decades, the building lost its former charm, its architectural qualities faded, and the interiors ceased to be functional and meet current standards. It was therefore decided to carry out the necessary changes. During the preparations for the modernisation, demolition or complete reconstruction were considered. Ultimately, however, a solution was chosen that involved preserving the original structure of the hotel and supplementing it with new concrete extensions. This gave the building a refreshed form that brought out the most valuable features of its architecture, which draws on local log construction, while also responding to the needs of the local community of Malá Úpa.
The Hořec Centre and its functions
Adapting the nearly century-old structure to current standards presented numerous challenges, mainly technical ones. The work included replacing the roof, façade, window and door frames, as well as completely reorganising the interior. The former layout, based on small, enclosed rooms, gave way to open and more flexible spaces. Currently, the building houses a sports equipment rental shop, a café, a shop, a cinema, exhibition rooms and apartments for rent located in the attic.
A surprise during the renovation
The renovation was not without surprises. During the work, a very unexpected discovery was made, which significantly influenced the final shape of the project. After removing the secondary layers of cladding on the second and third floors, it was revealed that the walls of the hotel were built using traditional log construction technology. Such extensive wooden structures are rare in this part of the Karkonosze Mountains, so the architects decided to expose them. It was on these floors that exhibition spaces were designed to highlight the craftsmanship of the past. On the top floors, intended for apartments, a very atmospheric roof truss was exposed, while the lower, brick parts combined original brick and stone with new concrete elements.
Mountain architecture for people
The location of the building on sloping terrain and the harsh weather conditions required special attention when designing the individual details of the Hořec Centre. Particular attention was paid to the entrances to the building. They were protected against sliding snow by appropriately shaped concrete annexes. This solution increased the functionality of the building, ensuring safe access even during heavy snowfall.
Hořec Centre – materials and public space
The facades of the modernised building were finished with untreated larch, sourced mainly from regional suppliers. This material refers to the local building tradition and darkens naturally over time, harmonising with the mountainous surroundings and neighbouring buildings. In front of the building, a new square with a paved surface and seating areas has been designed to encourage meetings and everyday activities among residents.
The Hořec Centre as a new landmark for the village
In a village so strongly focused on tourism, the new Hořec Centre primarily serves as a space for the local community. The renovated building has become an important place of integration, strengthening the identity of the mountain village of Malá Úpa and offering it a durable, contemporary architectural form rooted in the beautiful local landscape.
Design: ADR – Aleš Lapka, Petr Kolář
Photographs: BoysPlayNice
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The building in 2011 and 2025. Photo: Google Maps
The Hořec Hotel in 2016 and after renovation. Photo: Horský hotel Hořec/Facebook and BoysPlayNice
