Crematory, Nagytétény

Architect: Péter Puskás
Text: Szabolcs Bence Török
Photos: József Hajdú

Located remotely from residential areas, and yet on a site conveniently accessible, this zone is wedged between an industrial park typically occupied by chemical plants and M6 highway. Healthwise and concerning the well-being of local residents, it is an ideal choice, which, however, makes us wonder whether there are relevant architectural means and attitudes, which have the potentials in this context to offer a suitable venue for saying good-bye. Is a crematory suited to create the respect of the corpse – to some extent taking over the traditional functions of the cemetery mortuary – and offer an appropriate context to evoke the memory of the deceased, to house mourning and intimate commemoration? Located on the margins of Budapest, this newly established crematory provides positive and joyful answers to these questions. The architecture of the building is a composition of simple, neutrally white structures, the tiny gestures and moves of which masses obviously distinguish it from the neighbouring industrial facilities reinforced by the configuration of its masses and designs of details. By emphasizing the building as a hill, the refined „spoiled” symmetrical arrangement and the scales and proportions of the house impress us by suggesting sacred contents on the whole. A key factor to underline this impression is the tower erected on the axis of the building which is pierced with rectangular holes. Actually, it is an architectural image of Jacob’s ladder. Interior design follows the principles shown on the exterior by reflecting simplicity and rationality with fine details and spatial solutions. A building was born here which has the potentials to stand out against its industrial context by its powerful identity and thus to enhance ongoing activities with a kind of sacred and transcendental message.

Architecture: Műépítész Kft.
Leading architect: Péter Puskás
Architects: Andrea M. Bacskai, József Brózsely , Dávid Morvai
Interiors: Péter Puskás, József Brózsely
Structure: László Kerényi
Electrical engineering: Gábor Münnich – Fényesvölgy Kft.
HVAC: Ervin Barta KLF – Energo Kft.
Outdoor public utilities: László Kádár – Kádár Komplex Kft.
Outdoor lights: Zoltán Béki – Tromos E Bt.
Traffic: Ilona Visnyei – Via-Comp Kft.
Landscape: Ilona Sági – Vár-Kert Kft.
Client: Adytum Kft.