Vila Šmídova Villa

Šmídová villa, located in Eduardo Beneš street No. 483 in the village Horní Předměstí near Poška, is a functional building from 1933-1934, which kept the original available until now. This monument-protected object was built by Bohuslav Šmíd, which not only designed it but also implemented it. Asymmetric structure and modern equipment make it a unique example of Czech functionalism.

The foundation of the villa is closely linked to the development of Czech functionalism in the Interwar Republic. In 1933-1934 Bohuslav Šmíd built a family residence on the property in the southern part of Polička, which also served as a base of its construction business. His project shows the influence of the purism of Josef Gočár, although the building was already a cleaner functional style. The extensive garden with swimming pool, gazebo and fruit trees was designed by architect Josef Vaněk, which gave the construction aesthetic and practical value.

The architecture of the villa is characterized by flat roof, asymmetry and modern elements. The construction consists of two intersecting quadratic bodies that colour the blue window frames. The oak staircase to the residential area is decorated with large stained glass from Karl Svolinski with motifs of construction. The interior was very modern for its time - it had central heating and fully electric appliances such as stove, refrigerator or washing machine.

After nationalization of the company in 1948, Bohuslav Šmíd was transferred without trial to a pardubice camp of forced labour and later placed in a camp in Hodonin near Kunštát. The family had to move out; In 1956, the Peeping Tom moved to Brno. After 1990 the villa and part of the parcel were returned to the descendants of the builder. Thanks to the restitutions, the building has retained its original availability, although the garden and the premises of the former company have undergone considerable changes.

Today Šmídova Villa is not only a protected monument object but also a witness to the development of Czech architecture. Its value is in preserving the original function and aesthetics. Visitors can appreciate the modern architectural solution from the beginning of the 20th century.

The villa is worth visiting thanks to its historical value as a reminder of the time when Czech architecture tried to connect functionality with aesthetics. Its preservation in its original form allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of the times when it was created and appreciate the innovative approach of its builder.