Case study: Design & architectural services for non-invasive building complex in the heart of Budapest's forests
Concept & Inspiration
The nature closeness and spirituality of Dobogókő definitely require a modest, not too intrusive approach, despite the fact that the hotel, restaurant and wellness function demands a significant footprint. We tried to reconcile these two aspects in the design by hiding the lower level of the building underground, thus significantly reducing the perceived mass of the building. The pitched roof of the upper level is also a deliberate decision: on one hand, it creates the impression of a smaller building, and on the other hand, it has a friendlier, more human, and more traditional approach.
The organic surfaces introduced by Makovecz Imre at Dobogókő had a profound impact on the building. We would like to capture the rhythm of the scaly, feathery, and tiled surfaces on certain parts of the building. For example, the surface of the facade is a deconstruction of colorful feathers. The 45-degree grain of the fiber cement cladding corresponds to the grain of the feathers, and the Zsolnay eosin color-play surface at the corners of the fiber cement panels evokes the vibrancy of feathers. These same motifs are reflected in the reception desk, which is the central element of arrival.
Architectural Program
A minimum of 20 accommodation units are needed for sustainability, and that accommodation alone is not ideal, so we complemented it with a restaurant and a small wellness area. The foundation of the architectural program scheme is the keycard entry system. Functions marked in turquoise allow access without a card, while functions marked in blue require a card for access. The reception is the central hub of the building, guiding visitors.
The topography of the terrain greatly influenced the design of the building, as the goal was to design a building that blends into the hillside, harmonizing with its surroundings and not standing out. This is one reason why some of the accommodation units are located outside the building in cabin houses, positioned perpendicular to the curve of the hillside, ensuring that the view always overlooks the Danube Bend, taking advantage of the beautiful landscape.
Usage
During use, the various functions are well-separated thanks to the keycard system. Visitors entering the wellness area receive a card at the reception desk, which they can use to access the wellness dressing room. Here, the card allows them to open a locker equipped with towels and similar items. Unlike the spa, the wellness area is not only about water but also about well-being and health, so exercise (gym) and healthy eating (fruit bar) are essential.
Guests entering the restaurant can proceed without a card, passing the reception desk and using the representative staircase next to it to reach the restaurant on the lower level, which offers a beautiful view of the Danube Bend. The landscape depicted in the visual plans represents the actual view that can be seen from the site.
Hotel guests can access the guest lounge with a separate card, offering free Wi-Fi, bean bags, board games, and foosball. From the lounge, the rooms within the building can be reached through the open staircase. Additionally, exiting the lounge allows access to the paved path leading to the cabin houses.
Efficient Operation and ESG Trends
For efficient operation, a fundamental aspect is digitization. The card access system ensures the comfortable separation of various functions for different target groups. It is crucial that the wellness and restaurant functions are integrated into various online communities and application ecosystems. This integration allows the opportunity to offer additional services without the need for custom development, making operations more efficient. An example of this is pre-ordering, which enables guests to pre-order breakfast, lunch, or dinner, ensuring that the product, fruit, or dish the guest desires is available with shorter waiting times or without any wait. This also results in cost savings for the restaurant by avoiding waste and reducing the need for extensive inventory, part of which may inevitably spoil and be discarded. Pre-ordering is just one example among many.
Following Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) trends is essential for larger or more ambitious businesses, as customers increasingly consciously choose products and services from companies, that align with their own values. Consequently, efficiency and waste avoidance can be highly attractive, leading not only to environmental benefits, but also financial gains.
Architectural Design
Project Location
Hungary, Pilisszentkereszt
Expertise
