The comprehensive renovation and transformation of the Budapest Körszálló will begin in the summer of 2025. It has been announced at the conference about the utilization of soc-modern buildings, that the aim of the project is to give the iconic building a new function, to transform it into a modern residential building, while preserving its architectural values. The Budapest Körszálló is of particular importance to KÖZTI, as the original designs for the building were also made here in the 1960s.
The hotel of circular floor plan, built in 1967, was designed by architect Szrogh György. Now, more than half a century later, KÖZTI is playing a decisive role again concerning the future of the cylindrical hotel. Ybl Prize-winning architect Tima Zoltán and KÖZTI have been commissioned to design the reconstruction.
For KÖZTI, this project is not just about renovation, but also about preserving an iconic building and renewing it for a new function based on today’s expectations, and paying tribute to Hungarian architecture of the sixties at the same time.
At the conference examining the utilization of soc-modern buildings, the project was presented by Tima Zoltán, design director of KÖZTI, followed by a panel discussion with the participation of the developers, designers and several renowed architects. The aim of the conference was to catalyze communication between the different viewpoints of the real estate developers, architects and art historians.
According to the plans, the transformation of Körszálló will preserve the original form and proportions of the building, together with the radial pillar system, the striking fair faced concrete surfaces and the large glazed openings to the south and west, which are important parts of the building’s unique character, as well as the layered ring-like appearance of the facade. A significant improvement compared to the old building is the fact that the new Körszálló has been designed with an environmentally conscious approach; gas will not be used, cooling and heating energy will be provided by a ground probe heat pump system.
After the renovation, the building will accommodate about fifty apartments, offices, and a fitness centre as well. As part of the reconstruction, the immediate surroundings of the building will also be renewed: a public park will be built in place of the current parking lot, and the Lorántffy Zsuzsanna Stairs will also be renovated. Construction works are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2027.
