From Heinrich to Henry Kulka
Comparing Villa Holzner and Sharp House
Y. Guo (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Jurjen Zeinstra – Mentor (TU Delft - Situated Architecture)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
This thesis examines Heinrich Kulka’s role in developing the Raumplan theory by comparing Villa Holzner in Czechia and Sharp House in New Zealand. While Kulka is often regarded as a follower of Adolf Loos, his later works demonstrate how he adapted Raumplan principles to new cultural, material, and environmental contexts. In Central Europe, Kulka adhered to Loosian ideas, emphasizing spatial hierarchy, fixed furniture, and enclosed interiors. However, upon emigrating to New Zealand, he adjusted his approach due to different construction techniques, economic constraints, and a milder climate. This led to greater openness in planning, the transition from fixed to attached furniture, and an increased focus on transitional spaces. Through this comparison, the study highlights Kulka’s active role in refining Raumplan, proving it to be a flexible and evolving framework rather than a rigid doctrine, and demonstrating his lasting impact on modern residential architecture.