Five-storey modernist construction was erected in Art Deco style, but here one may notice the impact of Expressionism and works of famous expressionist architect Erich Mendelsohn, namely his project of Mossehaus publishing building in Berlin. Using functional principles – the frame, banded windows, flat roof – Krupka refuses from compositional asceticism of the building. Unlike functionalistic architects, František Krupka uses contrast of orthogonal forms with curved lines – dynamic and futuristic glass bay window of the second floor which style is supported by the display windows on the ground floor make a sharp contrast to the main static look of the building.

The expressionist character is evidenced by horizontally glazed-up windows of the House of Legio building. Windows of this type may often be seen in the projects of Amsterdam school. Elements of vertical division of pediment – namely the lesenes – make a continuous line through three floors as piers between windows, thus making the building visually elongated. These architectural methods are peculiar for Art Deco style, as well as for German Brick Expressionism that recites gothic architecture with its clear vertical lines. Panoramic banded display windows that belt the first two floors of the building resemble the American Art Deco – Streamline Modern – that is characterized by aerodynamic forms, rounded corners and smooth lines. This project of František Krupka is a real hybrid of architectural styles and approaches, though the main accent is made by Art Deco.

The general contractor of this project was a development company Havlík & Říčař, that had its head office in Uzhhorod. The construction was conducted with some troubles – it was necessary to additionally reinforce the uneven ground washed by underwater and guarantee even distribution of load. 

The ground floor accommodated shops and the most famous Purma’s Coffee House in the city, a place for city bohemia meeting. On the other four floors, the premises of Legio Handicraft Cooperative were located, including residential ones. The façade is decorated with Slovak travertine, while marble was used for staircase finishing.

Name
The House of Legio

Years of construction
1929–1932

Architect
František Krupka

Contractor
Havlík a Říčař

Type
polyfunctional building

Address
2 Dukhnovycha St

Protection status

Uzhhorod historical area territory

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