Bánáti + Hartvig Architects’ New Office Building, Budapest

Bánáti+Hartvig Architects moved into a building they designed for themselves. The office was conceived to have the least possible impact on the environment. Reutilising an existing old building was self-evident. Principles of circular architecture can be also detected: the reuse of construction elements destined for demolition in the building. The external windows did not meet today’s energy-efficient insulation requirements, though the steel-framed glass portals were in good condition, so they were given a new lease of life as dividing walls for the meeting rooms. Similarly, the glass bricks were removed from the upper-storey walls and were given a role in separating the meeting rooms. A few old radiators were also saved from destruction. The architects made a decision not to cover or paint anything simply for the sake of aesthetics. Coverings were only used in places where it was architecturally essential. This architectural choice results in a novel yet coherent form of aesthetics.