Villa Tugendhadt Vienna

Blaasstraße 29 – A Masterpiece of Viennese Modernism

Villa Blaasstraße 29, located in Vienna’s 19th district, was built from 1922 onward by architect Robert Örley for Berta Tugendhat and is regarded as one of the most significant residential buildings of the interwar period. Örley’s design encompassed not only the house itself but also the artistic configuration of the corner plot—an integrated concept of bourgeois domestic culture, characterized by exceptional material quality and craftsmanship.

Despite its eventful history, much of the original building fabric has been preserved and has been undergoing expert restoration under monument protection since 2019.

Architecture & Façade

The villa presents itself as a clearly articulated four-storey structure with semi-octagonal side projections and meticulously executed natural- and cast-stone elements. Characteristic features include:

• bossed natural-stone plinths,

• ribbed stonework on windows, cornices, and balconies,

• a high-quality, through-coloured render,

• original wooden windows and decorative eaves.

Historic photographs and recent architectural findings allow for an accurate reconstruction of the original façade design.

Interiors

The generous interiors span four levels. Particularly noteworthy are:

• the entrance hall with its exceptional, freehand-executed chequered wall painting,

• intricately crafted walnut panelling with hand-carved textures,

• stucco ceilings with textile-like folded reliefs,

• artisanal details by Franz Barwig the Elder, as well as a formerly existing ceramic tiled stove by Robert Obsieger.

History

Originally designed as a single-family residence, the building was adapted in 1923 to serve as a multi-generational home. In 1937, Ernst Plischke redesigned the attic level. Following its expropriation in 1938, the villa was used by the Luftwaffe and later repurposed as a food research institute. Since 2019, the property has returned to private ownership and has been undergoing comprehensive restoration.

The minimal-invasive intervention implemented in early 2020 under the direction of Philipp Tschofen and Peter Reindl (PR Architekten).