ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION – I. PRIZE
The Old Church at Zsámbék is a significant medieval monument of Hungary, the surrounding area hides the first, 11th century centre of the settlement. An architecture competition was announced for the renovation of the ruin and its surroundings, which was won by the KÖZTI team. In accordance with the specifications of the competition, the ruins will be roofed and the original function of the church will be reintroduced. The monks of the Order of Prémontré at Zsámbék will move back into the rebuilt monastery, and a visitor centre, plus exhibition and multi-functional halls will also be built. Future deriving from the past, creation of harmony between historical and new parts, as well as the protection of the visible and invisible past, all represent central elements of the project. The monastery and the visitor centre will be built on top of the former monastery walls, thus making the research and display of the archaeological remains of early Zsámbék feasible. The new functions correspond well to the original layout and the medieval system of spaces facilitates a scheduled implementation. The new elements will appear as a homogeneous setting of the old masonry, made of contemporary materials, easily distinguished from the original parts of the monument, so the original walls and the spirit of the ruin will be retained as a dominant element.
Year of design: 2023 Lead architects: KELEMEN Bálint Zoltán, TIMA Zoltán Area: 2 500 m2
