In the picturesque town of Albstadt, nestled in the Swabian Jura of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, stands the magnificent Villa Haux. This architectural gem, with its blend of historicism and Art Nouveau styles, offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century and the industrial prowess of the Haux family.
The story of Villa Haux begins with the industrialist Friedrich Haux, whose entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of the Friedrich Haux & Cie. textile factory in 1885. Initially, the company operated from a functional building that housed both the factory and living quarters for Haux. As the business flourished, so did the need for more elaborate and representative accommodations.
In 1908, the new Villa Haux was constructed on the factory grounds, designed by the Stuttgart architects Richard Böklen and Carl Feil. It was a testament to the prosperity and forward-thinking vision of Friedrich Haux. The villa was built in a unique blend of historicism and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), reflecting the transitional period from the playful Darmstadt style to the more austere Viennese variant. The yellow sandstone façade and the intricate architectural details make it a stunning example of early 20th-century design.
Villa Haux is renowned for its exquisite architectural features. The building's exterior is adorned with elaborate stucco decorations, bay windows, and a distinctive dome that adds a touch of grandeur. The villa's design seamlessly integrates artistic and functional elements, making it a masterpiece of its time.
Inside, the villa boasts luxurious living spaces and advanced technological amenities for its era. Among the notable features are the electric passenger elevator and a stationary vacuum cleaner system, both considered cutting-edge innovations at the time. The villa also had a central low-pressure steam heating system, which was coal-fired, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the year.
The interior décor is equally impressive, with wall paintings by renowned artists Maria Caspar-Filser and Christian Landenberger. These artworks, along with the villa's elegant furnishings, create an ambiance of refined sophistication and artistic sensibility.
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Before the construction of the new villa, the old Villa Haux served as the residence and office space for the Haux family. Built in 1885, it was a three-story half-timbered house with a mix of functional and residential areas. Over the years, as the business expanded, the old villa underwent several transformations. In 1898, it was renovated with Neo-Baroque stucco decorations and repurposed as a residential villa.
In a remarkable feat of engineering, the old villa was relocated in 1907 to make way for the new Villa Haux. The entire building was moved across the street on railroad tracks, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the time. Today, the old villa has found new life as a restaurant, the Wirtshaus zum Trödler, preserving its historical charm while serving the community in a different capacity.
During World War II, both the old and new villas played significant roles. The old villa served as the Soviet command headquarters for the repatriation of soldiers from the Russian Liberation Army, while the new villa was used as the French local command headquarters. After the war, the Haux family resumed residence in both buildings until 1954.
In the ensuing decades, the villas changed hands and purposes. The old villa was sold to a tax consultant and later converted into a pharmacy and a restaurant. Meanwhile, the new villa stood vacant for a period before being partially renovated and sold as condominiums and office spaces. Since 1994, the tax consulting firm Klaiber GmbH has been restoring and utilizing the new villa for office and residential purposes.
Today, Villa Haux stands as a historical monument, a testament to the industrial heritage and architectural elegance of Albstadt. The villa's representation rooms are available for economic and cultural events, offering a unique venue for gatherings and celebrations. The meticulously restored wooden shutters and other historical elements add to the villa's charm and authenticity.
Visitors to Albstadt can admire the grandeur of Villa Haux from the outside or attend events held within its elegant halls. The villa's rich history, combined with its architectural beauty, makes it a must-see attraction for those interested in early 20th-century architecture and the industrial legacy of the region.
In conclusion, Villa Haux is more than just a building; it is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and artistic achievement. Its walls tell the story of a family, a business, and a community that thrived through the challenges of history. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, Villa Haux offers a captivating journey into the past and a glimpse of timeless elegance.
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