Hungarian integrated architecture and building services provider DVM group started the construction works of Drechsler Palace in January 2021 at 25 Andrássy Avenue, Budapest. The monument building, previously home to the Pension Fund of the Hungarian State Railways and the Hungarian State Ballet Institute, is owned by QPR Properties who is transforming the building into the first W Hotel in Hungary, W Budapest.
This gem of a heritage building is a masterpiece of architects Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos built between 1883 and 1886 in a French Renaissance and Neo-Gothic style. The protected building at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site had various functions throughout its 135-year-old history from institutional, residential and hospitality uses to important cultural roles. It was completely abandoned during the last 19 years, waiting to be awakened to its former glory.
QPR Properties mandated DVM group with this construction assignment as the company is known for similar heritage restoration projects in Budapest including buildings such as Eiffel Palace, Váci 1 Building, Ybl Villa, The U.S. Embassy, Bank of China and Helvetic Clinics.
Balázs Czár and Péter Haberl managing partners of DVM group reflected on the challenges Drechsler Palace poses to their integrated building services company: “Our task is not only to authentically restore the much-deteriorated building and its interiors but also to prepare it to meet the technical requirements of a luxury hotel. Heritage protection is combined with a significant mechanical and electrical rejuvenation across all premises of the 16,000 square meter property. One of the two most prominent architectural changes in the building includes adding a 5th floor by transforming the roof into valuable hotel space. This week we are finishing the professional demolition of asbestos roof covering and the removal of joists, and starting the complex roof reconstruction, complementing the original Lechnerian design with modern HVAC systems. We will also convert the courtyard to an intimate, protected, sun-flooded atrium using a state-of-the-art, doubly curved hyperbolic paraboloid glass surface.”
On behalf of the investor, Dr. Farshad Khazei shared some insights about the future W Budapest Hotel: “W Budapest will offer 151 stylish guest rooms and suites, the signature W Living Room, and a restaurant. Guests mixing work and play will be captivated by the conference, meeting and events space, and those looking for inspiring workouts will enjoy the Away Spa and Fit fitness centre. I am delighted to be working on the transformation with an excellent team including Bánáti+Hartvig Architects, interior designers Bowler James Brindley, and DVM group mandated with general construction and construction plan design. We expect to complete the project and open the doors of W Budapest in 2022.”
