
Reconstruction works, Budapest, Fővám square
In progress
2023
The architectural character of the residential building, completed in 1912, and designed by architects Ernő Schannen and his son, Artúr Schannen, is defined by its layout with a court of honor, two sizeable mansard roofs and the neo-Baroque gables in front of them, as well as the corner avant-corps capped with an octagonal spire. The design of the façade and the original fenestration on the ground floor were rather impressive, but have deteriorated considerably, with some elements having been lost altogether. The extraordinarily lavish original plans were adhered to almost completely in terms of massing, and were followed fairly closely in terms of detailing. Renovation and reconstruction work was conducted in the 1960s, but had adverse effects on the façade, the roof and the reinforced concrete slabs of the cellars beneath the courtyards. When drafting plans for the reconstruction of the roof and the courtyards, we opted for solutions which would reinforce the original character of the building, while attempting to neutralise any 20th century interventions which damaged the original character of the building. We have not yet been commissioned for the reconstruction of the façade, but we hope that one day, the entire project will be managed together. In 2023, the District 5 Local Government gave its approval for the planned works. The complete reconstruction of the building, functioning as an apartment house, is likely possible only in the case of the utilisation of the attic space.