The reconstruction of the former Horec guest house began in 2019. The new version was designed by the Archima s.r.o. /www.archima.sk/ architectonic studio. “I hope the architecture of the Horec building, although small as for the extent, will be accepted by the general public positively, will indicate the legitimacy of the contemporary architectonic approach in the settlement of Tatranská Lomnica and fulfil the desire for singularity. We would be very happy to see the building become a natural part of the settlement and add something unique to the overall perception of the environment at the same time. Because this is a beautiful country which should not be changed. We can only help form it,” said Ing. Arch. Peter Marcinko to introduce the concept. He says that quality contemporary architecture with elaborate design is the future of tourism in Slovakia. “This building is like our mini manifesto that defines how to do architecture for tourism and establish the right principles. Timbered architecture cannot be the only mainstream. It is a nice memory of the past, but its pseudo reminiscences do more harm than good. These days, a self-confident modern trend with a touch of artistic values which would resemble the historical architecture is missing. I am personally fascinated by looking for new concepts, singularity and originality coexisting with the genius loci. Our answer to the legitimate need ,to fight for clients’ is a simple recipe: quality – humility – originality. And preferably in a modern and truthful way. For me, humility is one of substantial principles of creation. However, humility does not mean vacuity or subordination but rather respect and esteem,” added Peter Marcinko. When renewing the Horec building, this was expressed mainly by respecting the original building concept and the surrounding environment, shaping the relief, landscaping and planting more trees and park vegetation. Tatra rocks, typical grass areas and a brook will be much more attractive for kids than a plastic playground that is not part of the concept.
When renewing the Horec building, the investor, i.e. the Tatry mountain resorts, a.s. (TMR) company had more freedom when compared to the renovation of the historic Encián building in Skalnaté pleso. “For example, when renewing the facade of Encián, we had to respect the fact that it is a national cultural monument, but it was much easier with Horec, because the original building came from the 1970s. The priority was to breathe new life into a typical concrete building and adapt its design to the modern architecture of the 21st century. The architects understood our intention and I think we have done a good thing. Although it is not a big construction, we have shown the way how existing objects can be renewed and how most of what already is in the Tatras can be cultivated,” said Igor Rattaj, the Chairman of the Board at TMR, a.s.
When designing the renovation concept, the architects respected several typical features of the original building, including the silhouette and facade structure. The roof form is new and was inspired by the dynamics of mountain slopes, avalanches and their layers, irregularity, ice floes and snow, which has made the visual aspect unique and a bit dramatic. As far as the practical aspect is concerned, it enabled to use deeper sections and to offer views of the country from two more sides of the building.
The Horec suite complex offers 22 single-storey suites and 4 two-storey penthouses. All suites are modern and their timeless design is in harmony with the surrounding environment. Wood, ceramics, seamless floors, everything in an elaborated play of contrasts – softness and roughness, closed and open surfaces, dynamic and moderate shapes to make everybody feel comfortable and unique. Like the surrounding nature does. There are loggias or terraces and almost every suite features an infra-red sauna to guarantee undisturbed relaxation after skiing or hiking.
Tatranská Lomnica has been a natural centre of tourism in the eastern part of the High Tatras from the late 19th century. The settlement located at the foot of Mt Lomnický štít is a popular starting point of alpine hiking trips and cableway trips. Cable cars and chairlifts link Tatranská Lomnica with Skalnaté pleso and Mt Lomnický štít.
___________________________________________________________________________
Tatry mountain resorts, a.s. (TMR) is the leader in tourism in Central and Eastern Europe; it owns or leases and operates attractive mountain resorts, amusement parks, golf resorts, restaurant facilities, sports services, stores and hotels. In the Low Tatras, Slovakia TMR owns and operates the resort Jasná Nízke Tatry and hotels Hotel Grand Jasná, Boutique Hotel Tri Studničky, Chalets Jasná De Luxe, Hotel Srdiečko, Hotel Pošta and Hotel Rotunda. TMR is also the owner of Aquapark Tatralandia, the largest Slovak water park with year-round operation, which besides water entertainment includes Tropical Paradise, a special tropical indoor hall with sea water, as well as Fun Park, and accommodation in bungalows and suites of Holiday Village Tatralandia. In Slovakia’s High Tatras TMR owns and operates the resort Vysoké Tatry with mountain areas of Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec, and Štrbské Pleso. In the High Tatras TMR also owns hotels Grandhotel Praha Tatranská Lomnica, Grandhotel Starý Smokovec, Hotel FIS Štrbské Pleso and A night on Mt Lomnický štít. In Austria the Group owns and operates the alpine glacier resort, Mölltaler Gletscher, and its sister resort, Ankogel Mallnitz. In Czechia TMR also owns a minority share in Melida, a.s., which leases and operates the Špindlerův Mlýn resort. TMR also leases and operates the ski resort Ještěd, Golf & Ski Resort Ostravice and leases Kaskáda Golf Rezort Brno, where it runs a hotel, a restaurant and a conference centre. In Poland TMR owns and operates Szczyrk Mountain Resort and Legendia – Silesian Amusement Park (Śląskie Wesołe Miasteczko). Real estate projects are mostly focused on development, construction, and selling of apartments and non-residential premises and on hotel lease in the TMR resorts. By the end of 2019 around EUR 400 mil. had been invested into development and modernisation of TMR’s resorts. TMR shares are traded on three European stock exchanges – in Bratislava, Prague, and Warsaw.