Gymnasium of Toldy Highschool

Budapest, Hungary

Photo © Tamás Bujnovszky

Architects: Földes Architects

Location: Budapest, Hungary
Year: 2004

The enchanting old building of the high school was built in 1859 in neogothic style. The neighboring site on the castle slope of Buda was pointed out as building site. The building of the gymnasium consists of four functional units- the gymnasium itself, the corridors, the changing rooms and the medical room. The gymnasium was hidden under ground level. Skylights were created above, therefore it is sunny and light inside. The conic passageway is connected to the gymnasium and functions as the grandstand, as well. The changing rooms, the offices and the staircase opening from the passageway are situated under such an urban mono-pitched roof which is an organic continuum of the closed line of the street front of the neighboring houses. Because of the steepness of the slope the entrance from the street can be found on the ground floor, while the entrance from the yard is on the second floor. The medical room is situated in the right side wing when approaching from the yard.

Because of the steepness of the castle slope, we put much effort in dealing with the plans of civil engineering. A system of pile walls, drainages and monolithic concrete foundations ensure the stability of the neighboring buildings and the movement of ground-waters. The load-bearing structure of the gymnasium is monolithic concrete. The covering of the façade is hand-laid Röben-brick. Brick coverings rule most of the surfaces inside, as well, like in the old high school building. The ceilings are bare concrete, the covering of the roof is anthracite-grey roof tiles. The door- and window frames are made from natural colored wood, the special sport-floor of the gymnasium was ordered from Sweden- its flexibility protects the joints of the students.

The Lion-shaped handle of the main entrance of the old main building designed by János Petschnig grew to a symbol throughout its one and a half century lifetime. There was a reproduction of the lion handle put to the entrance of the new building, as well.