Villa Maedrag
Buildings/The Maedrag Villa is located in the Crn Most area of Bitola and was built according to the design of the Russian architect Pogadin in 1937. The modern architectural expression of this building is evident in the shaping of the volumes and the organization of the façade elements. In its current state, it is difficult to reconcile these elements with the various interventions and extensions that have been made over the years.
The villa’s owner was Ilija Srbinov from Bitola, who owned a brewery (Skopje Brewery) and a factory. In addition to a house on Shirok Sokak (now the Millennium Hotel and Pizzeria), he also built this Maedrag Villa, named after the first letters of his daughters’ names (Marika, Elka, and Draga). After the Second World War, the building was confiscated and turned into a representative hotel for official guests.
Construction year 1937
Investor / Owner Ilija Srbinov
City / Municipality Bitola
/ Bitola
Address 1 Maj blvd. No. 36
Floors GF+2
Original typology
Current purpose
Protection status not protected
- Building chronology (project, construction phases)The building was constructed in 1937.Number of floorsGF+2Program description (floor plan details)The basement of the building contains storage rooms, while the ground floor and upper floors have residential functions.StructureThe building is constructed with a massive structural system. The walls of the ground floor, upper floors, and attic are made of solid brick with lime mortar. The roof structure is wooden.RoofMulti-pitched roof covered with tiles, hidden behind a parapet wall.FaçadeFrom historical photographs, it can be concluded that the building was plastered in a light color with an emphasis on horizontal lines and volumes. The volume is broken up by the projecting balconies on the southern and eastern sides, where the roof at the corner is hidden by the raised gable walls.CarpentryFrom historical photographs, it can be concluded that the exterior carpentry was wooden, with a vertical division into four sections on the window openings. Wooden shutters existed on all openings.Building surroundingsThe building is positioned as a freestanding structure in a relatively large yard and is located in the Crn Most residential neighborhood from the early 1930s. With its refined architectural expression and façade decoration, it undoubtedly stood out compared to the neighboring buildings and contributed to the enrichment of the urban character.ContextThe building is positioned as a freestanding structure on gently sloping terrain, with direct access from the street to the ground-floor commercial spaces and with external stairs providing access to the first floor. Historical photographs show the street-facing wall as closed, with the entrance to the building located on the southern side.
- RoofMulti-pitched roof covered with tiles, hidden behind a parapet wall.FaçadeThe façade is plastered in dark blue, with the shallow relief highlighted in white. The railings have been completely replaced with stainless steel railings.CarpentryAll exterior carpentry has been replaced with PVC fittings.Building surroundingsCement blocks in the front part facing the street, greenery.Interior / Private spacesUnavailable.Exterior conditionpoorExterior authenticitycatastrophicModificationsAn additional volume has been added on the northern side of the building. The wall facing the boulevard was demolished to create commercial spaces on the ground floor. The balcony openings have been closed. It is assumed that additional façade insulation may have been added and new decorative tertiary plasterwork has been applied to all façades; the original color has also not been retained. The railings and all carpentry have been replaced with new ones. An added section is visible along the entire height of the house on the street side (additional rooms).
- The authenticity of the house has been almost completely lost. It is difficult to recognize at first glance.
- not protected
- emotional historical Given that the building has been significantly altered, its historical and emotional value remains.
- Recommendation to the owners: The value of the building should be respected when installing elements directly on the façades, and if changes are made, they should be aimed at preserving its authenticity.
- Kokan Grčev