Vila dr. Otto Schwarze Villa

Vila dr. Otto Schwarze is a remarkable construction on the border of history and modernity, built in the years 1907-1908 in Český Krumlov on Plešivec. This representative seat of the director of Krumlov stationery shows the lifestyle of a higher middle class in the early 20th century. The project was developed by architect Viktor Kavka, who opened his studio in Vienna after studies. Successful realization of the villa subsequently brought him further orders in the region.

The building stands on a stone plinth, with a mansard roof and baroque polygonal pavilions on the corners. The interior is based on an English concept with a storey hall and a strict separation of accommodation and service spaces. The design included a garden with a mobility in the style of Vienna's modern.

The villa was intended for the family of director of stationery Dr. Otto Schwarze (1867-1927), which is buried at the Jewish cemetery in Český Krumlov. Mr and Mrs Otto and Mr Margarethe Schwarz have commissioned a project by architect Victor Kafka. The equipment included a winter garden connected to the surrounding greenery and a kitchen elevator for food directly to the dining room. After the completion of the villa Kavka also designed the New Romanesque Synagogue in Český Krumlov.

The first reconstruction was carried out in the years 1924-1925 according to the design of Viktor Kafka. A half-circle roof was added to the eastern facade with a terrace, a half-circle roof was formed above the north staircase and a kitchen with a pantry, a bathroom and a terrace on the floor were added in the western part.

Another reconstruction was designed in 1939 by Johann Melzner, a graduate of a lower industrial school. In 1940, housing space was created on the ground floor and on the first floor. Later, the building served as an office and since 1972 it has been adapted for the needs of the kindergarten. The extension to the western facade, designed by architect František Fical, significantly changed the original character of the building.

On 3 May 1958, the villa was declared a monument. Today it is in the property of Český Krumlov. Some of the original equipment was preserved in the interior: hall with fireplace, brass chandelier and restored wooden floor. Above the door to the men's room with built-in libraries and on the opposite wall there are lunette paintings of Viennese painter Theodor Bruckner, brother-in-law of the factory Emanuel Spira. There was an Art Nouveau cutlery and a wooden cassette ceiling. Other premises were adapted for the operation of the kindergarten.

Vila dr. Otto Schwarze represents an important proof of the lifestyle of the higher middle layer in the early 20th century. Its architecture combines baroque elements with modern Art Nouveau details and English internal layout. The construction is closely linked to the history of industrial development of the region and the Spirova family.