Above the tracks of Stadelhofen Station sits Villa Hohenbühl. It stands imposingly. The villa’s story is interwoven with Zurich’s architectural and cultural evolution.
Alfred Friedrich Bluntschli designed Villa Hohenbühl between 1887 and 1889. He built it for Friedrich Wegmann-Schoch. Wegmann-Schoch was a miller and inventor. Bluntschli also designed the Kirche Enge and Villa Bleuler around the same time. Villa Hohenbühl is also known as Villa Wegmann.
Bluntschli designed the terraced garden. It features a height difference of over 20 meters. The garden’s detailed planning and planting were by garden artist Evariste Mertens.
Let’s consider the architectural style. The villa showcases the Neorenaissance style. It mirrors Italian Renaissance villas with its facade. The facade has a base, main floor, and attic. A large dome sits above the colossal columned portico. This design makes it a striking landmark. It stands opposite Bluntschli’s Kirche Enge. The interior is richly decorated. It is well-preserved.
The city of Zurich acquired the “little castle” above Stadelhofen Station in 1949. It was purchased from a community of heirs. The city’s daughters’ school first used the villa. Later, the Kantonsschule Stadelhofen used it.
A renovation led to disputes between the city and canton. They disagreed about the rent. The Kantonsschule had to leave. The city then sought a new use for the house.
Choffat & Filipaj Architekten carried out the renovation. They faced time and budget constraints. They successfully preserved the building’s heritage. The various paintings and coatings remained. They were only conserved not supplemented. Innovative solutions were found for modern installations. These solutions met safety requirements. The house is now fully usable again. It was not “over-renovated”.
Now, let’s talk about the garden. The garden had to be excavated. This was to expand Stadelhofen Station to three tracks. Today, a hay meadow is framed by two quince groves. It allows a view of the villa’s southern facade. After many years of use by the Kantonsschule, the Gewerbepolizei now occupies the offices. This is a temporary arrangement.
Don’t miss the large wall grotto on Kreuzbühlstrasse. It was restored to its original condition. It is operational once again.
Villa Hohenbühl and its parkland are listed in the communal inventory. They are recognized as worthy of protection. The villa has seen many changes. It remains a significant part of Zurich’s architectural heritage. It reflects the city’s history. It also shows its commitment to preserving its cultural treasures. The villa stands as a reminder of Zurich’s past. It also serves as a functional space for the present.