Renovation of the functionalist villa Wittal in Brno

Idea projektu

The theme of the studio work is the development of an architectural study for the restoration of the functionalist villa Wittal, built in 1932 according to the design of the architect Heinrich Bluma. The building is located in the Pisárky district of Brno and is registered as a cultural monument. It is a valuable building from the interwar period with preserved authentic details that reflect the principles of functionalist architecture. The new design aims to restore this now neglected villa to its original quality and at the same time breathe new life into it through its transformation into the ŠTETL Jewish Culture Center. This will create a multifunctional space intended for cultural and educational activities - lectures, concerts, exhibitions, community meetings and study activities. The design will also include a café with outdoor seating, a library, spaces for workshops and offices. The restoration will be based on the principles of monument care and will respond sensitively to the original architectural design. Preserved elements, such as original opening cuts, paving or metalwork details, will be respected and integrated into the new operation. Emphasis will be placed on barrier-free, functionality and long-term sustainability. Vila Wittal will thus acquire a new social role as a dignified and vibrant centre of culture and dialogue with reference to the Jewish history of Brno.

Popis projektu

Summary of history This is a functionalist villa from the interwar period, which was built in 1932 according to the design of the Brno architect Heinrich Bluma. The villa is located in a quiet residential district of Pisárky and was designed from the beginning as a modern family residence corresponding to the high aesthetic and technical standards of the time. It originally served as a private residence of the Wittal family, who belonged to the wealthier stratum of Jewish society of the First Republic. The layout of the building, the generous glazed areas and the distinct horizontal division of the facades reflected the progressive principles of modern architecture of the time. In addition to the villa itself, the area also included an ornamental garden area oriented up the slope towards the river. After 1945, the building was nationalized, which fundamentally changed its character and use. The villa was adapted for multi-apartment housing, which was also accompanied by numerous operational modifications to the interior. During the second half of the 20th century, the original details and quality of the furnishings were lost, although some authentic elements – such as the original openings, metalwork elements or parts of the interior tiles – remained preserved. The current state of the building no longer corresponds to its original architectural and social importance. As part of the planned monument restoration, the villa will be rehabilitated into a form that respects its functionalist expression and at the same time adapted for new use as the ŠTETL Jewish Culture Center. This intervention will not only restore the lost dignity of the building itself, but also create an important cultural and community place within the city of Brno. Architectural and layout design The Wittal villa project includes sensitive renovation with the addition of modern elements that connect the historical value of the building with its new use. The layout of the building is divided into several floors, with each space carefully designed to meet the requirements for cultural and educational activities. Basement floor The basement contains technical facilities and storage spaces. The corridors lead to several archives and study rooms, which are used to store historical materials and books. There is also a furniture warehouse, a cleaning room and a technical facility with an elevator shaft. There are offices and sanitary facilities (staff toilets) for employees. In the rear part of the basement floor there is also a space for workshops and a storage room for garden furniture and tools. An important part is also a new entrance for immobile visitors, which ensures barrier-free access to the building and connects the basement space with the other floors. The overall layout emphasizes clarity and effective interconnection of all operational units. 1st floor The ground floor parts of the building are dedicated to public spaces, which are intended to serve as multifunctional facilities. Corridors connect the café, library, winter garden and preparation room. An important part of this floor is also sufficient space for organizing courses and workshops, including a spacious cloakroom and cleaning rooms. The elevator shaft provides barrier-free access. The café space is flexible and allows for a combination of cultural activities and everyday operations. 2nd floor The second floor houses multifunctional spaces that will be used for exhibitions, lectures and community activities. The spaces are designed to be easily adapted to various needs, from study activities to cultural events. For better flexibility and division of these spaces, the rooms on the 2nd floor are divided using pivot doors, which allows for easy modulation of the size of the spaces and optimal use of the room for various purposes. Of interest is the space for immobile visitors, which ensures accessibility for all. Each floor is designed to create a clear and functional unit that also respects the historical character of the building. Barrier-free access and modern technical equipment have been integrated into the historical structure with the aim of ensuring long-term sustainability and user comfort.

Technické informace

Concept of intervention in the building structure and existing structures The main concept of the renovation was to preserve the original structural elements of the building as much as possible. Therefore, the new spaces were carefully integrated into the existing historical spaces. Demolition work focused only on the removal of modern non-load-bearing partitions and the demolition of bricked-up openings that did not correspond to the original dispositive solution. Window fillings, which were significantly damaged and sometimes inappropriate, were removed and replaced with replicas of the original windows with appropriate subdivisions that respect the historical appearance of the building. The doors in the interior were carefully refurbished and reused, while care was taken to preserve them in their original form. The overall condition of the building is in a very dilapidated state, however, thanks to the robust brick structure and the low floor area of ​​the building, it is still in good condition in terms of load-bearing capacity. Problems caused by moisture were mainly noticeable on the exterior of the building, where interventions were needed to protect it from further damage. These aspects were taken into account in the design of the renovation, which emphasized long-term sustainability and the protection of historical values. Urban design The outdoor space of Villa Wittal will be carefully arranged to respond to the historical values ​​of the building while providing a modern facility for cultural and social events. In addition to the garden, which will serve as a space for relaxation and meeting, there will also be new functional zones that will support cultural and community activities. A pleasant place for outdoor activities will be created in front of the villa, where cooking classes will be held. This space will have direct access to the newly built kitchens that will be created in the former garage. The space connected in this way will allow cooking classes to be held directly on the premises, which will contribute to the functional and social use of the villa. In the lower part of the garden, under the villa, there will be a space for outdoor exhibitions and concerts. This space, ideally located in close proximity to the building, will offer visitors the opportunity to experience cultural programs in a pleasant and open environment. The flexibility of the space will allow for a variety of events, from art exhibitions to musical performances. The main axis of the garden will be flanked by a staircase that will lead to a gazebo. This gazebo, located in a straight line with the villa, will serve as a quiet place for relaxation and gathering, as well as a distinctive architectural element connecting the garden to the villa. The gazebo will be an important focal point that will connect the individual parts of the garden and offer visitors a place for meditation or informal gatherings. In the farthest part of the garden, which is designed to provide maximum peace and privacy, a Jewish shuk will be located. This traditional Jewish shelter will respect the need for silence and privacy and offer visitors a space for meditation, prayer or quiet gatherings. Its location in this more remote part of the garden will ensure that this space will be isolated from the busier zones, making it an intimate and peaceful place for personal reflection. Overall, the Wittal Villa garden will not only be a place for relaxation and meeting, but also for cultural and artistic activities that will support the development of the community and contribute to the revitalization of this historic building. Construction and material solution For the restoration of the historic building, materials were chosen that respect its original character. Colored lime plasters in various shades were used on the facade, which sensitively follow the historical texture. The windows were replaced with wooden replicas of the original windows, thus preserving the authenticity of the building. A sand mill is used in the courtyard in front of the building, which not only completes the outdoor space, but also contributes to better drainage. The interiors are equipped with wooden parquet friezes in a square pattern, which evoke a traditional look and at the same time complement the elegant and harmonious character of the space.