Gyöngyszem Branch Kindergarten, Budapest

Architects: Csaba Nagy, Károly Pólus
Text: Zita Pelle
Photos: Balázs Danyi

The reconstruction project of the Gyöngyszem Branch Kindergarten in Budapest’s 13th district goes far beyond a local institutional renovation: the project has become a European-level model for the contemporary recycling as well as a sustainable transformation of five-decade-old prefab structures. The building’s eco-conscious approach and exemplary architectural solutions have been recognized by numerous domestic and prestigious international professional juries so far. The central topic of the reconstruction project was the dissolution of the dense spatial structure and the creation of transparent play zones. The building was expanded with an additional floor, allowing for a more generous spatial configuration that is interconnected both horizontally and vertically. During the reconstruction, the four characteristic main blocks were preserved and given a reinforced concrete frame superstructure, whilst the former connecting “neck” sections were replaced by two-story, light-weight components that serve as links. Functional clarity has been enhanced by replacing the former multiple entrance system with a single, prominent main entrance. In addition to the ten group rooms, the upper floor houses specialized services and staff functions, whilst the ground floor has been supplemented with special developmental rooms. The multi-functional connecting units wedged between the four main blocks function not only as vertical and horizontal circulation and communication paths, but also as flexibly adaptable communal spaces. As the country’s first “SMART” kindergarten established here, the facility provides a supportive environment for children’s lives on multiple levels.

General planning: Archikon Architects
Lead architects: Csaba Nagy, Károly Pólus
Fellow architects: Flóra Bordás, Noémi Petró, Jakab Urbán, Bianka Varga, Bence Várhidi, Nikoletta Zsidai, Miklós Batta
HVAC: Zoltán Sor
Structure: Tibor Pintér
Electrical engineering: István Karácsony
Mural painting: Péter Szalay, Gábor Kristóf
Fire protection: György Decsi
SMART building automatisation, RFID: Imre Miskolczy
Client: Municipality of 13th District of Budapest