Reception Building, Simontornya

Architect: Péter Zilahi
Text: Attila Csóka
Photos: Attila Gulyás

The uniform development of our settlements requires long-term strategic planning, in which the co-operation between the town leaders of Simontornya and the P8 workshop has already demonstrated significant results. Through slow and patient work, the designers built the trust necessary to create a comprehensive public space concept for the renewal of the town center, the first step of which was the completion of the reception building. The first impression of the house, which was built according to the plans of Péter Zilahi, is unexpected — primarily because the building is red inside and out, from top to bottom. This choice resulted in an easily understandable, homogeneous architectural volume. Thanks to its color, it speaks clearly in the language of contemporary architecture within this environment. Its other fundamental merit is the programme itself: the designer shaped the building to include covered open spaces and a walled patio, creating an intermediate scale between residential houses and large public buildings. In doing so, it occupies and designates the space that the building requires reaching beyond its functional use. All of this is achieved through gestures that are undeniably rooted in the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city of Pécs. The loophole-style window facing the castle or the mimesis of the splayed gateways are further sophisticated gestures that enrich the building’s character.

Client: Municipality of Simontornya
General planning: P8 Studio
Preliminary design: Péter Zilahi DLA, Tamás Dancs, Kata Varjú
Permit plan: Péter Zilahi DLA
Implementation plan: Péter Zilahi DLA, Viktor Karácsonyi
Structure: László Nagy
Landscape: Réka Tóth
Building construction: László Benkő
HVAC: Csaba Hucker
Electrical engineering: Kristóf Takács
Road: Balázs Eller
Weak current: Péter Gungl
Rehabilitation: András Vert
Public lighting: Tibor Tóth
Main contractor: Topa and Co.