Until 1942, Slezské Předměstí (Silesian Suburbs) was an independent village, characterized primarily by a diverse array of residential buildings—ranging from grand half-timbered villas to modest semi-detached workers’ houses. However, the majority consisted of family homes built for the middle and upper middle classes. Among them, the house of Hradec Králové dairy merchant Václav Panenka has been preserved in an almost original state, narrowly escaping demolition during the housing estate development of the late 1950s
Located near the corner of Slezská Street and Pospíšilova třída Street, the house was designed and built by Josef Jihlavec, a successful local contractor, in 1927–1928. This period marked a shift in architecture away from decorative excess toward purist forms, constructivism, and other modernist tendencies. The house, with its traditional, even “archetypal,” rectangular floor plan and steep gabled roof, reflects these stylistic transitions. At the same time, it demonstrates that private clients largely continued to favour conservative and restrained designs. The house’s simple yet refined façade is accentuated by a pair of semicircular oriels at the corners of the street-facing side, along with subtle details such as rounded jamb edges and semi-columns between the bay windows.
The dignified entrance to the interior, accessed from the courtyard, was marked by an impressive corridor featuring a staircase made of Hořice sandstone and a decorative railing. According to the original plans, the house was designed as a multi-generational house. The spacious ground-floor apartment included two large rooms with bay windows, along with service areas, including a maid’s room. The second, more modest apartment, consisting of two rooms, was located in the attic along with additional attic space. It was created as an investment and intended for tenants. In 1930, the original farm building in the yard was adapted for rental purposes. However, due to poor hygienic conditions and increasing neglect, it was demolished in the late 1970s.
Today, the house remains in an almost original state, including fencing, which features a simple geometric design.
AW
