PwC moves into new office building

Almost exactly a year after the laying of the foundation stone, PwC Hungary has moved into its new office located in Budapest’s impressive Eiffel Palace. As a result of the 2013 renovation, the facade has been restored according to the original plans from 1893. The building’s interior structure has been redesigned according to the highest 21st-century technical and sustainability requirements. The office building meets both the BREEAM and LEED international standards for the design and operation of green buildings with excellent results.

"We have left our Wesselényi utca office after fifteen years, and moved into a new high-quality headquarters in the Eiffel Palace at 78 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, which meets today’s environmental aspirations. The building’s impressive history and innovative redesign are perfectly in line with PwC’s values: it represents a balance between tradition and modernity, and serves as an outstanding example of responsible and sustainable business,” says Nick Kós, PwC Hungary’s Country Managing Partner.

A building reborn

As a result of the 2013 renovation, the facade has been restored according to the original plans from 1893. The building’s internal structure has been created according to the highest 21st-century technical and sustainability requirements based on the designs of Ybl prize-winning architect András Gelesz.

Real-estate development firm Horizon Development has devoted a great deal of attention to restoring elements of special architectural significance and aesthetic value, while preserving the original grandeur and integrity of the building. In addition to the facade, the breathtaking wrought iron structures of the internal court yard and the main staircase originally planned by Gustav Eiffel’s architectural office have also been rebuilt in their original form and location, and serve as the “jewel in the crown” of the building.

The foundation stone of the Eiffel Palace was laid in March 2013. Construction, carried out by DVM Group, was completed by the end of last year. The Eiffel Palace is the first office development project in Eastern Central Europe to meet the strict requirements of both the BREEAM and LEED environmental standards with excellent results.

“Previous attempts at making use of this well-situated property have not been successful. By restoring the building to its former glory downtown Budapest has been enriched with a modern, eco-friendly office building. We are proud to be able to come to work at this historic building every day, and of the contribution this project has made to enriching the city and the neighborhood,” Nick Kós added.

About the Eiffel Palace

The five-story building, situated at 78 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, whose facade overlooks three streets, was built in 1893 based on the plans of Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl on behalf of the Légrády brothers to house the editorial offices and printing house of Pesti Hírlap, one of Budapest’s most important daily newspapers. The stories above the editorial offices and the printing house were used for residential purposes, creating a functional complexity that made the building different from all other buildings of a similar size in Budapest. Its significance was also marked by its ornamental appearance; its sizeable and richly embellished facade – topped with a high tower – formed a prominent corner of the area in front of Nyugati Railway Station. Unfortunately, the corner tower was destroyed during the last century, leaving the roof structure featureless.

Thanks to the extraordinary renovation work, the exterior of the building has regained its original look; however, its interiors and technical structure were designed according to the highest standards. The special details of unique architectural and aesthetic value have been completely restored.