Architect: POTTYONDY Péter
The refurbishment and modernization of the hotel, built in the 1960s, took place in several phases. The renovation of the energy supply system, the modernization of the outdated interior spaces, overall accessibility and the complete architectural reconsideration of the facade were the main stages of the reconstruction, which resulted in a building of different character with a modern and well insulated facade.
Designed by András Csángó and his associates, the Hotel Ifjúság was built in 1964. After several years of operation with changing success, owing to an agreement between the Hungarian Government and the Council of Europe, it was converted to a hotel and conference centre in 1996, maintained by the Hungarian state and run by the Council of Europe. In 2004, the renovation of the energy supply system and the general modernisation of the building could no longer be postponed, therefore a technical survey was prepared. Based on this survey, the refurbishment of the building began in 2005, the first stage was the thermal insulation and the complete architectural reconsideration of the facade.
The architect’s job was to design the renovation of the facade with thermal insulating plaster, as specified by the maintaining party; but he also had to create a modern European look, as required by the operator. Sandwich panels with steel armouring, often used for agricultural and industrial buildings, provided an up-to-date solution within the budget. Silver metal coloured thermal insulating panels have been placed, with ventilation gaps, in front of the 300 millimetre thick plastered brick walls, built in the 1960s, so a completely new, well insulated facade has been created. The original wire glass parapet has been replaced by a random arrangement of floor to ceiling high tempered glass panes, steel bar railings and shading louvres, placed in front of the balconies.
This was followed by the interior reconstruction of the floors with the hotel rooms, in several stages. The arrangement and the size of the hotel rooms have not been changed, only the obsolete corridor and room furnishings have been replaced by a new design, in line with the new function and the fire safety regulations. Full accessibility for disabled people had to be introduced in the whole building as required by the European principles. Accordingly, new lavatories, a new loudspeaker system, a new colour system, an information system in braille and hotel rooms with disabled facilities have been installed in the building. The high quality original building, which had been awarded the Ybl Prize after construction, was rejuvenated. It is an imposing landmark on Rózsadomb, the result of a successful cooperation between the ministry, the Council of Europe and the architects.
Location: Budapest II., Zivatar utca 1–3. Date of completion: 2011 Architect: POTTYONDY Péter Associate architect: WEIMPER Viktória Interior architect: SCHINAGL Gábor Area: 4000 m2
