BEM OFFICE BUILDING, BUDAPEST

The owner of the former Radetzky barracks was seeking the opportunity to develop the property in the long run by publishing a restricted tender of two rounds. The plot is a valuable piece of land in the inner parts of Buda, demanding quality investment. Besides, the building has played an important part in our history, therefore the preservation and protection of its main façade is of high priority. Our plan suggested an “A” category office building, which would be constructed between the existing building’s preserved wing facing the square and the Margit office building, filling the gap there created by demolishing the back wing of the barracks and the mill. The house would be built as part of an unbroken row of buildings, so it would function as a space wall for the neighbouring side streets with its ribbon windows, which make the façade dynamic. We propose to tear down the high roof of the main façade in the Bem square, replacing it with two levels with flat rooftops, thus producing a new part of the building with better proportions and creating valuable spaces, whereas the raised floor can keep balance with the neighbouring buildings. Thus the historical main façade can be saved, while the main entrance can lead into a distinct office house, independent from the main building. Under the new building, an underground garage park with two levels could be placed, and above ground, there would be a building of a ground floor + 5 storeys with offices for rent. The ground floor would host commercial premises opening to the street, and the upper level could be accessed from a large, covered atrium, with entrances from both side streets. On the sides to the two neighbouring buildings, two inner courtyards would be established, the green surfaces of which would offer a pleasant microclimate for people working here. Shaping the facades, the use of natural light would be maximalised by inserting huge windows both on the outside and in the inside. On top of the building, a green roof would be formed to reduce the surface of an urban heat island and to offer a nice view of the area for those looking at it from the Buda hills. The roof could be used by people working in the building as an active green surface and a resting area, as the city view from here is excellent. Its shaping would be governed by the principles of creating a well-proportioned composition and a harmony with its environment. The building would operate exclusively on renewable energy, and the glass surfaces in front of the façade would also provide shading.

Refurbishment of the former Radetzky barrack into an A categorie office building in Budapest  
invited architectural design competition, II. prize
client: EURÓPA ALAPKEZELŐ ZRT. 
year of the design: 2008
volume: 40 000 m²