Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17018/portal.2022.5
Zagreb tobacco factory: construction and modifications
Krasanka Majer Jurišić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3157-9230
; Croatian Conservation Institute, Division for Immovable Heritage, Zagreb, Croatia
Boris Mostarčić
; Croatian Conservation Institute, Division for Immovable Heritage, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The building of the Zagreb Tobacco Factory (Tvornica duhana Zagreb) is located in the western part of the Zagreb city centre, along two streets: Klaićeva and Hochmanova. It was built in 1882 on the basis of the design of engineer Rupert Melkus, chief city architect and head of the City Construction Office. Milan Lenuci and Aleksander Seć were hired as associates, and the technological solution was prepared by Leopold Lipp. The factory is a corner building with an L-shaped floor plan, and the western part of the north wing is connected to the block construction along the street. The exterior is shaped like a neo-Renaissance two-winged palace, with evenly-spaced windows that create a regular rhythm, and prominent central and end parts on both wings. Brick was used for some constructive and decorative elements (windows, parapets, cornices) on the façade. The surfaces between them are plastered and painted, and the base is stone-clad. A high gabled roof sits atop the building over the elongated floor plans of both wings, with mansards above the avant-corps. Each wing has three floors (basement, ground floor and first floor, or ground, first and second floors, taking into account the decline in the surrounding terrain from north to south). The basis of their spatial layout is the centrally-located staircases with large halls with elongated floor plans and smaller office and utility rooms surrounding them.
The former factory was damaged during the 2020 earthquakes. Given the fact that it had previously been abandoned and emptied, there was no damage to the inventory, but major statics problems were identified, and there was a need for urgent constructive renovations in 2021, so the necessary documentation was quickly prepared: detailed architectural survey and conservation study, as well as complete project documentation of the renovation and conversion of the building. The data presented in this paper contributed to a better understanding of the construction development of the building, and is based on archival documents and field research. It has been established that, over time, it has largely retained its original appearance, while later changes made to the building can be removed, and the original design of the exterior can be restored. Due to its distinctive architectural, structural, spatial and design features, the building of the former Tobacco Factory is considered one of the most completely preserved buildings of Zagreb's industrial architecture at the end of the 19th century. A complete renovation project is planned for the building that will retain the basic spatial features and technological construction solutions, while also acknowledging the new purpose of the building to consolidate the activities of the Croatian Conservation Institute.
Keywords
19th century, tobacco, industrial architecture, Rupert Melkus, renovation
Hrčak ID:
290093
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2022.
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