Říhova vila, Functionalist villa in Smíchov, Czech Republic
Říhova vila is a functionalist villa at Nad Santoškou 1911/1 and Na Pavím vrchu 1911/1 in Smíchov, Prague. Built in 1929–1930 by architect Josef Karel Říha for his own use, it is the first in a row of villas on the street. Across the street to the north lies Santoška park; to the south stands the older Krulišova vila.
Josef Karel Říha built this residence between 1929 and 1930 as his own home, creating an early example of functionalist architecture in the region. The project emerged during a period when this modern movement was gaining influence in Prague.
The villa's name comes from its architect and first owner, Josef Karel Říha, who designed it for his own family. It stands as the first villa in the street, with the older Krulišova vila across the road to the south, now owned by the Ministry of the Interior.
The villa stands at Nad Santoškou 1911/1, with the Santoška park across the street to the north; the older Krulišova vila faces it from the south side. It is a private residence and cannot be entered, so visits are limited to viewing the facades from the public street.
The building steps down gradually toward the east, creating a gentle transition between elevation levels. This original arrangement once provided residents with sweeping views across Prague's central district and remains a compelling design feature.
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