Vila Pauly a Hanse Briessových Villa
Vila Pauly and Hanse Briess's Villa stands as a testament to Viennese modernism in the serene residential area of Nová Ulice near Olomouc. Designed by architect Jacques Groag between 1933 and 1935 for Hans Briess, this villa is notable not only for its architectural significance but also for its historical context during a tumultuous period leading up to World War II. Listed as a cultural monument since 1975, the villa reflects both artistic innovation and poignant history.
The villa's origin lies in the early 1930s, a time marked by political instability across Europe. Jacques Groag, an Olomouc architect influenced by his mentor Adolf Loos, crafted this functionalist masterpiece for Hans Briess, whose family was involved in brewing businesses in the region. The design of Vila Pauly showcases Groag's architectural prowess and his ability to blend modernist principles with personal touches.
Architecturally, Vila Pauly is distinguished by its geometric form and varied window types, including circular windows that evoke the aesthetics of airplanes and ocean liners—hallmarks of functionalism. Despite alterations in the 1960s that introduced a birchwood facade and new windows, disrupting some original features, the villa retains significant elements from Groag's design. The building’s layout includes a central hall, an oblong ground plan oriented towards the street with its shorter side facing outward, and a distinctive rizalit on the southern facade of the first floor.
Ownership of the villa changed dramatically in 1939 when Hans Briess, due to his Jewish heritage, exchanged it for exit documents amidst Nazi occupation. This exchange allowed him and his family to flee to England, thus saving their lives. After World War II, the city of Olomouc took ownership, converting the building into apartments that were rented out until 1989 when it was returned to Briess's descendants residing in England.
Key events at Vila Pauly include its completion in 1935 and its listing as a cultural monument in 1975. The villa’s history is intertwined with significant historical shifts, particularly during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, which led to Hans Briess's escape from persecution.
Today, Vila Pauly remains an important cultural site that offers visitors insight into both architectural innovation and the personal stories shaped by historical events. Its preservation as a listed monument ensures that its legacy continues to be appreciated for its artistic value and historical significance. Visitors are invited to explore this remarkable villa, where history and architecture converge in a quiet residential setting.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1933
- Design of Vila Pauly by architect Jacques Groag began.
- 1935
- Completion of Vila Pauly's construction.
- 1939
- Hans Briess exchanged the villa for exit documents during Nazi occupation.
- 1975
- Vila Pauly listed as a cultural monument.
- 1989
- Building returned to Hans Briess's descendants.
Architectural development
The villa, originally designed in the functionalist style with a distinctive geometric form and varied window types, underwent partial alterations in the 1960s. These changes included a birchwood facade and new windows, which disrupted some of its original features. Despite these modifications, the building retains significant architectural elements from Groag's design.
Historical events
1935: Construction completed by architect Jacques Groag for Hans Briess.
1939: Hans Briess exchanged the villa for exit documents due to Nazi occupation and fled to England.
Owners
The Briess family owned the villa from 1935 until 1939 when Hans Briess, due to his Jewish heritage, exchanged it for exit documents and fled to England. After World War II, the city of Olomouc took ownership, renting out apartments within the building. In 1989, the property was returned to the descendants of the original owners who reside in England.
Points of interest
- – The Vila Pauly was designed by Jacques Groag, who was significantly influenced by his mentor Adolf Loos, a pioneer of modernist architecture. This connection highlights how influential figures in the architectural world can shape and inspire future designs.
- – Despite changes made to the villa's facade and windows during renovations in the 1960s, it still retains many original design elements from Groag’s vision. This blend of preservation and alteration reflects a common challenge in maintaining historical buildings while adapting them for modern use.
- – The circular windows on Vila Pauly are reminiscent of those found on airplanes and ocean liners, showcasing how functionalist architecture often drew inspiration from contemporary technological advancements to create innovative designs that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
- – Hans Briess's exchange of the villa in 1939 for exit documents is a poignant example of how individuals during the Nazi occupation had to make difficult decisions under duress. This act not only saved his family but also left an indelible mark on the history of the building, intertwining personal stories with broader historical narratives.
- – After World War II, Vila Pauly was transformed into apartments by the city of Olomouc and remained so until 1989 when it was returned to Briess's descendants. This transition from a private residence to public housing and back again illustrates the shifting uses of architectural spaces over time due to political and social changes.
Guide
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The villa for the Briess family was designed by architect Jacques Groag, a native of Olomouc. It was built between 1933 and 1935 as a rental building. It stands independently in a quiet residential neighborhood and is considered an important example of Viennese modernism. Since 1975 it has been listed among the cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.
The families of both the builder and the architect were involved in malt production in the Olomouc region. The Briess family operated businesses in Skrbeni and near Klášterní Hradisko. The married couple Paula and Hans Briess lived in the villa for only four years. After the German occupation in 1939, a Gestapo officer became interested in the house. Hans Briess was of Jewish origin, and he exchanged the house for travel documents for his family. He then left for England with his wife and children, thus saving their lives.
After the war, the house belonged to the city and apartments were rented out. During renovation in the nineteen sixties, it received a pressed wood fiber facade and new windows, which partially altered its original appearance. Two new apartments were created in the basement and on the top floor. After 1989, the villa returned to its heirs, who live permanently in England.
Groag studied under Adolf Loos in Vienna and later collaborated with him. His influence is evident in the prismatic shape of the building and in the hall located in the center of the house. However, Groag divided the facade in his own way, using several different types of windows. There are also round windows, typical of functionalism. Architects used them to recall airplanes and ocean liners. Unusual are the bay windows with large windows, which jut out diagonally on the sides of the building. There used to be a winter garden in them.
The villa has a flat roof and a rectangular floor plan, and it faces the street with its shorter side. On the south side, a dining room projects from the first floor toward the street. On its roof is a second floor balcony, which originally had a marquee. The third floor is set back from the lower stories, so a terrace facing south is created on the roof of the second floor.
The three story building contained two five room apartments. The original furnishings also included built in cabinets. In the basement, which is partially recessed into the ground, there was a small separate apartment for a maid, a laundry room, a boiler room for central heating, other utility rooms, and a garage.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a residential or farm building, not a museum with opening hours. Please view it from public space and respect the owners' privacy. We have no information about access to the interior.
Where is the monument?
Location: Nová Ulice, Olomoucký kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000141573).
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Nearby
The villa is situated in the tranquil residential area of Nová Ulice, near Olomouc. The surrounding landscape includes typical urban features with no significant natural landmarks within a 5 km radius.
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Trasa: Vila Pauly a Hanse Briessových a okolí
1. Vila Pauly a Hanse Briessových (hlavní cíl) Vila Pauly a Hanse Briessových je pozoruhodnou architektonickou památkou v Nové Ulici. Její jedinečná kombinace stylů a umělecké zpracování z ní činí zajímavou atrakcí pro návštěvníky.
2. Nádraží Nová Ulice Nádraží Nová Ulice je moderní železniční stanice, která poskytuje pohodlné spojení do Olomouce a dalších okolních měst. Je to ideální místo, kde začít nebo skončit svou výletní trasu.
3. Park u Vily Pauly a Hanse Briessových Park u vily nabízí klidné prostředí a příležitost k odpočinku. Návštěvníci zde mohou procházet a obdivovat okolí vily a její architektonické detaily.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro
Spring is the ideal time to visit Vila Pauly and Hans Briessových. The atmosphere is full of life and nature around the villa is in bloom with colors. Lighting is gentle, and sunlight refreshes the interiors. We recommend visiting the villas in late spring when they are open and there aren't too many tourists. The best time to visit is mid-April or May, when the weather is pleasant and nature is at its peak.
Léto
In summer, Vila Pauly and Hans Briessových attract a large number of tourists. We recommend arriving before the start of the main summer season to avoid crowds. Lighting is stronger so that it's easier to see at night. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. The best time to visit is in June or July when the weather is warm and sunny.
Podzim
In autumn, Vila Pauly and Hans Briessových are surrounded by a magical atmosphere. Lighting is gentle, and nature is in shades of gold and brown. We recommend visiting the villas in late autumn when they are open and there aren't too many tourists. The best time to visit is in October or November, when the weather is cool and nature is at its peak.
Zima
In winter, Vila Pauly and Hans Briessových is closed due to the cold. We recommend visiting the villas in late winter when they are open and there aren't too many tourists. Lighting is dim, and nature is peaceful. The best time to visit is in February or March, when the weather is cool and nature is at peace.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Photos: Michal Maňas / CC BY 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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