Hruškova 2 Building

Semler's residence, a self-standing villa located on the corner of the Klatov class and the street of Hruškov in the village Jižní Předměstí Pilsen, is an important example of modern architecture of the 20th century. This building was originally built as an apartment double in 1923 for the Pension Institute for civil servants of the Škoda Joint Society and later turned into a residential villa of the businessman Oscar Semler. Architects Adolf Loos and Heinrich Kulka had a key role in shaping its design. Since 2014, the building has been protected as a monument to modern architecture, which highlights its importance for history and culture.

Semler's residence was connected to the period after World War I, when modern architecture developed in Czechoslovakia. The original construction from 1923 was built for the Pension Institute for employees of Škoda Stock Company, which reflected the need to provide housing for their employees. In the early 1930s, the building was purchased by Oscar Semler, a Jewish businessman and owner of the SEM gramophone needle factory in Vochov near Pilsen. Under his leadership, the building was adapted to a residential villa, which included modifications to the basement, ground floor and floors under the design of Heinrich Bulka.

The Semler residence is an interesting example of Art Nouveau. Originally a housing double from 1923 had a symmetrical solution on the ground plan U, with the main entrance oriented from the yard. In 1933 there was an adaptation under the design of Heinrich Bulka, who probably drew inspiration from the concept of Adolf Loose. Garage with terrace was built in the years 1938-1939 and served as an accessible terrace by one-arm staircase from the side of the building. The garden is decorated with grown trees, while the fence combines the original brick pillars and wooden fillings with a newer adjustment towards the Klatov class.

The history of ownership of Semler residence is considerable. After the purchase of Oscar Semler and his wife Jana, the family was forced to leave during the Nazi occupation of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. After the Communist Party took over in February 1948, the building was nationalized. The interior of Semler's apartment has been preserved and serves as a museum of period design, allowing visitors to explore architectural elements and interior solutions of the 20th century.

Semler's residence is listed in the catalogue of Iconic Houses, an international organization that brings together extraordinary works of world architects and architecturally important houses. This recognition highlights its importance as an example of modern architecture, which is now accessible to the public as a home museum.

Today Semler's residence is worth visiting not only for its historical and architectural value, but also for its preserved interior, which provides a unique view of the period housing solution. By examining this villa, the visitor can appreciate not only artistic and architectural creativity, but also the history of one family and their story, which is linked to the history of Pilsen itself. Visiting Semler's residence means not only experiencing beautiful architecture, but also immersing yourself in the region's rich history and culture.