The Czech Republic impresses not only with its centuries-old historical architecture. One example of outstanding designs created in the 20th century is Josef Volman’s villa in Čelákovice near Prague. It is often referred to as the “sister” of the famous Villa Tugendhat in Brno.
The young architects rose to the challenge
The Josef Volman Villa and the villa of the Tugendhat family share similarities in architectural style. However, the luxurious building from Čelákovice was built several years later. Interestingly, the residence was not designed by famous, experienced architects, but by novice designers – Karel Janů and Jiří Štursa. Nevertheless, the effect is impressive!
Simple form, functionality and harmony
In the architecture of the luxurious residence, which was built in 1939 in Čelákovice (a few tens of minutes’ drive from the centre of Prague), you can see the characteristics of Le Corbusier’s style. These are simplicity of form, functionality and harmonious connection of the interior with the surroundings.
As you can read on the building’s website, it is not only a conscious homage to the aforementioned Le Corbusier, but also a synthesis of various currents of European modernism.
Like a steamboat on the Elbe
“It shows how the creators were very familiar with current European trends and were able to transform them into a unique building. The unique artistic concept and the use of distinctive colours place the villa in the trend of sensual functionalism,” it reads.
“The structure may resemble a steamship monumentally anchored on the horizon of the slope above the Elbe River,” the curators further describe on the website vilavolman.cz.
Sharp lines interweave with curved walls and details, and smooth surfaces contrast with stone elements and travertine. The interior also features luxurious materials. The villa is characterised by multiple types of marble, chrome details and exotic wood.
“Breathtaking views”
The expansive terraces, meanwhile – according to the property’s managers – are reminiscent of captain’s bridges and connect the house to the surrounding park on different levels, both functionally and aesthetically. In every season, they offer different but always breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and park.
The roof terrace with wind screens and flowerbeds and the circular stone roundabout at the main entrance are other original features of the Volman villa.
A kindergarten in such an interior!
Back to the story. Josef Volman himself did not enjoy his dream house for long; he died four years after the construction was completed. His daughter Ludmila and her husband, who also took over the management of the entire business, remained in the villa. After their forced departure in 1948, the villa was used by a state-owned company and then housed a kindergarten until 1990.
One of the best buildings 2016
The devastated building was bought in 1996 by a group of entrepreneurs from Čelákovice, who wanted to restore the architectural masterpiece to its original state. The restoration project was even awarded in the Building of the Year 2016 competition.
Josef Volman’s villa has been the place to visit since 2022, and you can also stay overnight in it.
Text: Tomasz Kobylanski
Source: Czech Tourism / vilavolman.cz
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