Hungary's First Public Building Constructed Entirely of Wood Unveiled - EUROPE SAYS
The University of Sopron is setting new standards in sustainability and design. With the ceremonial opening of the new “Fusion” creative studio, the university not only celebrated a milestone in its own. . .
The University of Sopron is setting new standards in sustainability and design. With the ceremonial opening of the new “Fusion” creative studio, the university not only celebrated a milestone in its own campus development but also made Hungarian architectural history. In a record construction time of just one year, the building that formerly housed the Department of Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry was comprehensively revitalized and expanded with a new three-story wing. The new wing is the very first public building in Hungary to be constructed entirely of wood. Architect Dávid Józsa’s design is a prime example of the harmonious fusion of different eras. The complex is divided into three defining elements:The Past (Clinker Brick Building): The existing brick building was renovated with meticulous attention to historic preservation. It embodies the legacy of Oszkár Winkler, who designed the original building in 1942. His characteristic rounded forms are echoed in the loggia system of the new building. “Fusion” Creative Studio at the University of Sopron. Photo: Péter Rombai/University of SopronThe Link (Exposed Concrete): A minimalist connecting wing made of exposed concrete serves as a subtle homage to 20th-century modernism and provides a physical and visual transition into the modern era. “Fusion” Creative Studio at the University of Sopron. Photo: Péter Rombai/University of SopronThe Future (Solid Wood): The three-story new wing was constructed using forward-looking cross-laminated timber (CLT) technology. The façade consists of thermally modified wood (Thermowood). This weather-resistant, untreated surface will age gracefully over the decades, developing a refined patina that reflects the material’s natural life cycle. “Fusion” Creative Studio at the University of Sopron. Photo: Péter Rombai/University of SopronThe Institute for Creative Industries at the University of Sopron is moving into the “Fusion” Creative Studio. Where studios were once located, students and faculty from the fields of art, design, graphic design, and architecture now find state-of-the-art working conditions. The top floor features a huge, light-filled common area. Here, students from all years and disciplines are encouraged to collaborate in an accessible environment to harness synergies and stimulate the creative flow of information. “Fusion” Creative Studio at the University of Sopron. Photo: Péter Rombai/University of Sopron“We may have taken a bold step, but I believe we did the right thing. We have succeeded in renovating a much-needed part of our university while preserving the values of our past. It is particularly touching that this building also bears the mark of colleagues whose parents once taught here. They paid attention to every detail to ensure that this structure does not harm nature but serves us. Our university thus remains the intellectual cradle of Hungarian forestry,” explained Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron. “Fusion” Creative Studio at the University of Sopron. Photo: Péter Rombai/University of Sopron“The architectural intent was to place the old and the new on an equal footing. Anyone looking at the new wooden building will discover many details: The façade patterns are a subtle nod to the heyday of European wooden architecture around the turn of the century. The interplay of the sawn-board cladding revives the Swiss villa architecture of the 19th century and the very special atmosphere of Sopron’s Lővérek district,” emphasized Dávid Józsa, the building’s architect. The opening of the “Fusion” studio is part of the long-term campus master plan “One University – One Campus. ”This is not merely about new construction, but rather a respectful reinterpretation of the existing structures. Thus, the dilapidated, structurally unsafe old lecture hall (F14) had to be demolished to make way for innovation. “Fusion” Creative Studio at the University of Sopron. Photo: Péter Rombai/University of SopronThe surrounding area was also considered holistically, as the campus flows seamlessly into Sopron’s more than 100-year-old Botanical Garden. A new, green gathering place has emerged between the new studio and the neighboring “Ligneum” event center. Symbolizing this is a newly planted golden pine from the Netherlands in front of the building—a sign that in Sopron, architecture, community, and botanical tradition are moving hand in hand toward the future. Related articleSatellite Data Processing Course Debuts at University of SopronMarking a milestone in Hungarian higher education, this initiative paves the way for advanced engineering specializations. Continue readingFeatured image: Péter Rombai/University of Sopron