A historic electric stove discovered in a small woodland house in rural Austria has found its way into one of Vienna's most prestigious modernist villas, serving as a symbol of an ambitious restoration project that has transformed Villa Rezek into an architectural treasure. The villa, designed by architect Hans Glas between 1932 and 1933, has been meticulously restored to its original state and recently gained recognition as part of the international Iconic Houses network.
The restoration project, which began in 2019, was undertaken by Viennese architect Max Eisenköck after a foundation acquired the villa and its gardens overlooking Kahlenberg and Cobenzl hills. What started as a comprehensive renovation soon became a detailed archaeological investigation into the building's original interior design. Eisenköck found himself regularly hunting for period-appropriate objects on online marketplaces, antique shops, and auctions to furnish the villa authentically.
"I had almost given up hope of finding the original Elin electric stove for the kitchen when I discovered it online," Eisenköck explained. "I immediately dropped everything, contacted the seller, and told them I would come to pick up the stove right away." This particular stove, originally from a deceased woman's estate in a small Styrian forest cottage, exemplifies the painstaking attention to detail that characterized the entire restoration effort.
Villa Rezek was originally commissioned by internist Dr. Philipp Rezek and is considered by architecture experts to be an important example of Viennese modernism, often drawing comparisons to Mies van der Rohe's famous Villa Tugendhat in Brno. The villa's history reflects the tragic circumstances of many Jewish families during the Nazi era. The Rezek family fled to the United States after 1938 when their home was seized under the Nazi regime's Aryanization policies. The house was only returned to the family after the war ended and was subsequently sold.
Over the decades, Villa Rezek changed hands multiple times, with notable residents including the Engelhorn family. Philanthropist Marlene Engelhorn, who became known for her decision to give away her inherited fortune, spent her childhood in the villa, according to Eisenköck. The building's significance in Austrian architectural history, however, remained largely unrecognized until the recent restoration brought it back to public attention.
When Eisenköck's team took over the project, they found the villa in a deplorable condition. While the facade and exterior views had remained largely intact due to heritage protection requirements, the interior spaces had lost their original character through various renovation and modernization efforts over the years. "We had to conduct a thorough architectural-historical investigation," Eisenköck noted, describing how his team searched through state archives and documents from the Jewish community to piece together the villa's original appearance.
The detective work involved assembling scattered photographic evidence to create a complete picture of how the villa originally looked. Initially, the team furnished the living spaces with steel tube furniture from the same era, which many visitors appreciated. However, as more original photographs surfaced, it became clear that this cool, functional style did not match the actual furnishings chosen by the Rezek family for their home.
Architect Hans Glas designed the villa with influences from early 20th-century sanatorium architecture, likely reflecting Dr. Rezek's medical profession. The design emphasized natural light, fresh air, and transparency to the outdoors. A key feature of this approach is the retractable glass windows, built according to a patented system, which now function exactly as they did nearly a century ago, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
The restoration team paid particular attention to areas where the family's daily life unfolded, rather than focusing solely on formal reception rooms. "During our guided tours, we consistently observe that visitors are less interested in the representational spaces and more fascinated by the areas where the family's real life took place," Eisenköck observed. This includes the kitchen, which received special attention during the restoration process.
All the kitchen appliances have been carefully restored to working condition, including the aforementioned electric stove, an electric mixer, and an early 1932 Electrolux gas refrigerator. Even the dumbwaiter that serves the upper floors is scheduled to be restored to full functionality soon. These details demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the restoration, which aimed to recreate not just the villa's appearance but also its operational capabilities.
Villa Rezek's recent inclusion in the Netherlands-based Iconic Houses network, which identifies architecturally significant residences worldwide, marks a new chapter in its history. While parts of the villa are still inhabited, plans are underway to transform it into a house museum once the five-year restoration project is completed. Until now, public access has been limited to occasional visiting days, but word has gradually spread throughout Vienna about this architectural gem in the Währing district.
"In the future, we will seek greater public engagement," Eisenköck announced, citing an upcoming publication about Villa Rezek scheduled for release in autumn as an opportunity to increase visibility. The book, titled "Das Glas-Haus" (The Glass House), will feature photographs by Stefan Oláh and text by Caroline Wolgemuth, published by Park Books in October 2025.
The villa recently served as the backdrop for a fashion shoot showcasing the season's most beautiful looks, with models wearing designs from luxury brands including Prada, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Etro, Gucci, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Akris, and Dolce & Gabbana. The juxtaposition of contemporary high fashion against the restored 1930s modernist architecture created a striking visual narrative that bridges past and present.
The successful restoration of Villa Rezek represents more than just the preservation of a single building; it serves as a testament to Vienna's rich architectural heritage and the importance of maintaining connections to the city's modernist legacy. As the villa prepares to welcome more visitors in its new role as an Iconic House, it stands as a living monument to both architectural innovation and the resilience of cultural memory in the face of historical trauma.
