Zikmundova vila Villa

Zikmundova vila in Zlín, located at Žlebová 2894, is a rare example of private residential construction from the post-war period. This monument is remarkable by its history and architectural changes that reflected social and cultural changes in Czechoslovakia. Originally it was a functionalist building built for the first governor of the newly founded Zlín district, Dr. Josef Yanushík. Later she became the owner of director Elmar Klos and was subsequently adapted for Miroslav Zikmund by architect Zdeněk Plesnik, which gave rise to her present form. In 2000 it was registered among cultural monuments.

The creation of the Zikmund Villa is closely linked to the historical context of the 1930s, when major industrial and social development took place in Czechoslovakia. Funktionalism as an architectural direction was very popular at the time. The originally functionalist house was built by Bata's support fund for Dr. Josef Januštík, the first captain of the Zlín district. The architect of the original villa is not known, but the project was implemented by Bata, a.s. In 1934 a permit was granted for construction and the approval was granted in September 1935.

The architectural original villa represented a classic example of functionalist architecture. Among other things, it was distinguished by elements such as a corner bay, covering bricks with a birzolithic plaster and the use of a belt window. In the interior there were a number of unexpected elements, including a circular column located in the centre of the bay, which was a symbolic element requested by Dr. Josef Januschek. The internal structure of the house corresponded to the social role of its inhabitants, with represented functionality in every space.

The ownership and administration of Zikmund's villa has undergone several changes. After Dr Josef Yanushík, who was the first owner from 1935 to 1953, he moved the house to the director Elmar Klos. Even though Klos made some modifications to the villa, he didn't live here alone. In 1953 he sold the villa to the traveller Miroslav Zikmund, who rebuilt it under the leadership of architect Zdeněk Plesnik into the present form. The new household mobilizer was designed by designer Miroslav Navrát. In 2020 the villa was sold to the Zlín businessman Čestmir Vančur, who founded the Foundation Fund Zikmundova vila.

The key event in the history of the building was the conversion of the original villa into Zikmund's villa in 1953. The extensive adaptation led to a change in the shape of the house, which gained iconic form thanks to the extension of the bay and the extension of the dining area. The mobile space designed by Miroslav Navratill is still preserved in its original form, making the interior unique.

Today, Zikmundova vila stands as a cultural monument and represents an important part of the local heritage. Its history and architectural changes reflect changes in Czech social and cultural life. The premises that once hosted the Januschek family, Klos and Zikmund are now a monument to these personalities and their benefits. The Foundation Fund Zikmundova vila aims to reconstruct the house, make the building available to the public and raise awareness of its historical value.

Zikmundova vila is not only an architectural pearl but also witnessed many changes in Czech life. Her visit offers a unique view of the past and an opportunity to appreciate history and architecture in a completely new way.