The renovation of the historic building at Nádor utca 21, in the heart of Budapest's Lipótváros district, is carried out by Paulinyi & Partners. The office building, built between 1910-15, is currently the headquarters of OTP Bank Plc. The aim of the renovation is to improve the technical condition and quality of the building, to restore it to its historic state and to maximise its usability.
In the interior design of the building, the architects aimed to create an agile, youthful and informal working environment while preserving the building's features and its characteristic historic elements. In addition, the office building will be equipped with sustainable, energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems in line with today's standards, and the building's transport system will be upgraded to ensure full, barrier-free access.
The designers have identified three focal areas that are consistent yet distinct. The design transforms the inner courtyard into a spacious, modern space, bathed in natural light and suitable for central events. To this end, the suspended corridors and ground floor extensions will be demolished, large glass boxes will be installed on the inner façade and the courtyard will be covered with a glass roof.
The functional renovation of the general floors and offices will create more airy, permeable spaces for human interaction. The street front will be used for cellular offices, largely with glass walls, while the courtyard side will be used for meeting and relaxation spaces, while preserving the heritage value. In the interior design, a balance between a youthful, dynamic atmosphere and a design and use of materials that harmoniously match the spirit and historicity of the building has been achieved through the conscious use of a number of design tools. In several places, wood geometric elements have been designed with contemporary tools to pay homage to the building's past and values.