One of the very first realisations by Belluš, this capacious corner structure had several different functional sections: hotel, restaurant and large social hall. Its form is classicist, based on the historic principles of forming an architectural composition. Nonetheless, the different functional uses are reflected in the exterior appearance, even in the articulation of its volumes. The social hall, theatre and ballroom are reached through a large entrance vestibule; the main entrance is accentuated by a rectangular two-storey portico covered with travertine. Even though the architecture of the ‘National House’ is an early work of the architect’s, still influenced by his traditionalist training, it foreshadows all of the essential features of Belluš’s mature work. Already, the floor plan shows a number of innovations; likewise, we can see the architect’s generosity of imagination, use of classical compositions, ties to hand-craftsmanship, favoured buildings materials (e.g. travertine), and the use of artworks in architecture.

Literature:
Stavitel 6, 1925, 2, p. 32.
KUSÝ, Martin: Emil Belluš. Bratislava, Tatran 1984, 142 p.
KUBIČKOVÁ, Klára: Emil Belluš, Banská Bystrica a Národný dom. Projekt 41, 1999, 4, p. 36 – 43.
KUBIČKOVÁ, Klára: Architektonické diela 20. storočia na Slovensku. Banská Bystrica. Architektúra & urbanizmus 34, 2000, 1 – 2, p. CLXVIII.
DULLA, Matúš – MORAVČÍKOVÁ, Henrieta: Architektúra Slovenska v 20. storočí. Bratislava, Slovart 2002. 512 p., p. 147, 344.

Source of picture:
Slovak National Gallery
Ground plan:
Department of Architecture Archive, ÚSTARCH SAV