ADOLF LOOS APARTMENTS

Considered a genius architect in the midst of the functionalist movement, Adolf Loos (1870-1933) left his mark on Central European architecture throughout the first third of the 20th century. Born in Brno, he stayed many times in Plzeň where he was asked by rich families to redesign houses and apartments. While many have unfortunately disappeared, some of his achievements are particularly admirable and will delight architecture lovers.

Vogl and Kraus Apartments. The Kraus family apartment is located at 10 Bendova Street. Minimalist forms and decorations, a beautifully preserved mahogany ceiling, mirrored walls and built-in furniture set the tone and give clear indications of Adolf Loos' style. "Ornament is the crime," he used to say, and it is true that most of the decoration was provided by the materials themselves, their arrangement and their forms. The furniture, on the other hand, was evocative of the architect's travels around the world (Egyptian stool, cowboy chair...). The dining room with its mirrors facing each other and reflecting infinitely and its built-in storage units is a model of its kind! In the bedrooms, the layout of the space has been entirely thought out in a functionalist spirit and the well-preserved furniture, built into the walls, disappears or appears according to the opening and closing of doors. A few hundred meters further on, at 12 Klatovská Street, is the apartment of Dr. Vogl. Less impressive since only two rooms remain, the living room is nevertheless extraordinary with its travertine walls and, again, its play of mirrors.

Brumel House. At 58 Husova Street is one of Adolf Loos's finest achievements in Pilsen, which has the added advantage of having retained much of its period furniture. It is an extension of a building serving large, well-cut and organized spaces where you visit in turn the kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. Everything has been thought for the practical and functionalist side. Again, the decoration is minimalist and the genius lies in the organization of the rooms and the fight against the loss of space, with the embedding of large pieces of furniture, bars, wardrobes, etc., in the walls and materials: mirrors, travertine of Slovakia or plates of noble wood for any ornament. The living room, with its monumental fireplace, closes this superb visit.