The Budapest-based architecture firm has completed Gyöngyszem Kindergarten, a small-scale retail building, kindergarten and school in Hungary that features a flat-roofed, prefabricated panelled house with a central corridor
Photography by Balázs Danyi
Hungarian practice Archikon Architects has unveiled its latest project Gyöngyszem Kindergarten, a minimalist building complex that combines retail buildings, a kindergarten and school. Set among Budapest’s tree-lined streets, the building features a distinctive dusty pink façade and fire-enamel artwork.
Located within the Újlipótváros, or the 13th district, the existing building dates back to the 1970s and was in need of repair. A former single-story, flat-roofed, prefabricated panelled house with a central corridor, the structure was in a dilapidated state due to its small interiors, lack of common areas and accessibility.
To modernise the 2860 sq m building, Archikon Architects preserved the original 1970s structure, adding a new floor with mezzanines and communal spaces to encourage interaction across both levels. A light-filled arrival area greets students and visitors, while a sweeping curved staircase creates a sense of flow.
Photography by Balázs Danyi
The open-plan layout continues into the galleries, where staircases descend toward the courtyard, leading students or visitors to an area that features playful furniture, the latter finding its design cues in building blocks and children’s games.
Creating various interactive spaces for the children, Archikon Architects created both indoor and outdoor playgrounds, using unconventional colours, shapes and materials to ignite the senses. For instance, stairs combine a tunnel and ramp for added fun and to engage children in physical activity.
Alongside 10 classrooms, activity rooms are designed to support movement, creativity, cooking and social skill development, promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. Interiors are all serene, inviting and feature blush, muted shades of pink.
Photography by Balázs Danyi
With a thoroughly community-focused approach, Archikon Architects designed a considered environment that prioritises the needs and experiences of young children. Designed to foster wellbeing, Gyöngyszem Kindergarten invites students to learn, play, and engage with one another and their surroundings in meaningful ways.
The project reflects the practice’s broader ethos. Since its founding in 1989, Archikon Architects has built a reputation as one of Hungary’s leading architectural firms, particularly for its innovative approach that respects existing structures while introducing bold, contemporary elements.
A significant portion of the firm’s portfolio focuses on community-oriented projects. Led by Csaba Nagy and Károly Polus, the practice works across public, social, educational, residential and mixed-use developments in both the public and private sectors.
Photography by Balázs Koch
Photography by Balázs Koch
Photography courtesy of Gyöngyszem Kindergarten, Archive Photo, featuring the existing building
Photography courtesy of Archikon Architects featuring Gyöngyszem Kindergarten, Play-Spaces
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