design 1993-1994, realisation 1995-1997
client: ING Real Estate International, The Hague and Nationale Nederlanden Real Estate Hungary Ltd., Budapest
gross floor area: 6.800 m2
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This office building on Paulay Ede Street in Budapest is an extension of the former ING Head Office renovated by EEA in 1994. Floor levels of the new extension align with the adjoining Andrássy Street building, creating a spacious office layout. The façade on Paulay Ede Street is completely glazed and leans out into the narrow street at an angle of one degree reflecting the existing buildings opposite.
A new technique was used to create unity between the existing building and the extension as required by the authorities. Rather than replicating the historic ornamental plastered façade of the older building, a silk-screen-printed glazing was used. When seen from afar, the print looks like a natural stone pattern, continuing the rhythm of openings in the adjacent façade. When seen close up, it becomes a translucent screen allowing light deep into the building. Due to the constraints of the site the glazed façade allows sufficient daylight into all areas of the building. This skin functions as climate façade with return air extracted through a glazed cavity. Ceilings are expanded mesh used with chilled beams to provide cooling.
Perimeter offices are separated from the open planned areas by pivoting glass walls. The main feature inside the building is a steel and pre-cast concrete stair suspended by stainless steel cables. The wall between the original offices and the extension has been opened to allow exciting views between the old and the new.
