Initially, it used to complement an older power plant built in 1896-1898 which was demolished a few decades later, in 1935. It was located at the beginning of the spa park, on the site of the today’s restaurant. The newer power plant that still exists was built as a part of the system that had been designed by the engineer Alojz Hora from Púchov, who later in his career also designed the natural swimming pool at the Baračka waterwork. The construction was financed by the Participating Company of Medicinal Spas (Účastinná spoločnosť liečivých kúpeľov). According to Hora's design, the Teplička stream was dammed by the Baračka reservoir, and a pipe led from it along the foot of the Klepáč hill all the way into the concrete reservoir above the power plant. Its architect is unknown, but one can see an inspiration from Art Nouveau, Cubism, and the Moorish style.
The building is not in use nowadays, its original machinery is missing, and the concrete reservoir above it is covered in thicket. A long time ago, water used to flow into it from a height of 14 metres, spinning two Francis turbines mounted on a single shaft. In times of lighter load, it supplied electricity not only to the whole Trenčianske Teplice, but also to the railway to Trenčianska Teplá. However, it was in operation only until 1937. Its system used to clog too much.
After the power plant’s shutdown, the light fountain located centrally in front of the building remained in operation. The power plant’s lavish decoration became a curiosity among industrial buildings. It is decorated with a white mosaic ornament used on columns, walls, and staircases. The four pilasters on the front facade are topped with capitals that have a floral motif. There are also unusual, diamond-shaped windows between the four pilasters. The attic metal railing with floral shapes has lent the building an airy crown. The main part of the building – the tall turbine hall – used to have a large skylight, according to the contemporary depictions.
Bibliography:
DULLA, Matúš et al. Slávne kúpele Slovenska. Bratislava: Foibos Books SK, Praha: Foibos books, 2014. 300 s. ISBN 978-80-87073-80-3.
HANUŠIN, Ján. Trenčianske Teplice na starých pohľadniciach. Bratislava: Dajama, 2010. 95 s. ISBN 978-80-89226-87-0.
CHLÁDEKOVÁ, Veronika, BELLÁKOVÁ, Eva, LIPTÁK, Martin. Elektrárne. Bratislava: Čierne diery, 2022. 137 s. ISBN 978-80-973550-3-6.
80 rokov elektrickej prevádzky na trati Trenčianska Teplá – Trenčianske Teplice: 1909-1989. [s.l.]: Východná dráha, 1989. 22 s.
