The preservationist discovered a unique interior by Adolf Loos

The discovery of a practically unknown interior by the world-famous architect Adolf Loos took the breath away from municipal heritage conservator Karel Zoch! “On Tuesday, I went to Czech radio to talk about Plzeň's architecture by Adolf Loos. I realized that I was getting off the tram in front of one of the buildings, about which it is said that Loos's interior from 1929 had completely disappeared. The next day, I thought to contact the owner, and then I felt like I was in an incredible wonderful dream!” the conservator describes his discovery. The curator of Prague's Müller Villa, Maria Szadkowská, who conducted Loos's research in Plzeň in 2000, states that she encountered records in the available documentation indicating that the interior of Leo Brummel's apartment at Klatovská 140 in Plzeň had disappeared without a trace. Therefore, Zoch's discovery greatly pleased her. The preserved documentation indicated that Adolf Loos based his design on an existing apartment layout, which he was to partially furnish, as well as the limited financial capabilities of the builder, Leo Brummel. He was the brother of Jan Brummel, for whom Adolf Loos developed plans for the now-famous Brummel House in Plzeň, located at Husova Street 58 next to the Central Bus Station. It was Jan Brummel who introduced his brother Leo to Adolf Loos, who frequently worked in Plzeň in the 1920s and 1930s, which became the architect's second home.
“The apartment was proof that Adolf Loos was able to work for investors with smaller financial resources, thus without the use of traditional luxury materials,” Szadkowská believes. According to the researcher, Loos worked with vivid color effects using spruce and lacquered wood in Leo Brummel's apartment. He collaborated on the interior adjustments with carpenter Žáček. Loos's design primarily involved the dining room and an intimate relaxation corner with a fireplace.
During the visit to the interior, the company director who owns the unique spaces, Mr. Pavel Thurnwald, was very accommodating to heritage conservator Zoch. “He allowed me to document everything without any problems,” Karel Zoch expresses his satisfaction, shaken by the surprise that the finding brought him. “About 80 percent of the original interior has been preserved, but it is still amazing news. Until now, out of approximately 15 recorded Plzeň realizations of Adolf Loos, only about 6 were known to have survived the adversities of history up to the present day. In the context of these events, the preserved part of the former apartment of Leo Brummel on Klatovská Avenue is a unique find!” the conservator rejoices. For now, the mentioned space is inaccessible to the public.