One of our most significant projects this year was the completion of the renovation of the Drechsler Palace, better known as the Ballet Institute, where we were involved in the development of the building automation system. After twenty years, the listed building opposite the Opera House has opened as a five-star hotel, part of the W hotel chain.
The highest level of building automation
In addition to preserving the interior design and historical values, the renovation of the Drechsler Palace has paid special attention to building automation solutions, which have been implemented with modern comfort and sustainability in mind.
With a building automation system controlling the 151 guest rooms, the conference room, the common areas and corridors, the wellness area and the facade lighting, the coordinated operation of nearly 3,000 devices has resulted in the largest KNX system in Hungary.
The lighting, shading and underfloor heating control of the guest rooms is automated and the in-room ducted VRV indoor units can be controlled according to the guests' needs. The Building Management System (BMS) for the control of the mechanical and air conditioning systems was added to the building automation system, allowing the coordinated operation of all building functions and the highest level of in-room comfort. The building automation system is not only for the comfort of the guests, but also for energy efficiency and sustainability, which is of paramount importance to the operators.
At the entrance to the rooms, the room number display, occupancy indicator, "REQUEST RESERVATION" and "DO NOT RESERVE" functions are also shown on a digital display. At the hotel's request, these design panelsBraille will be used to help blind and visually impaired guests navigate. Throughout the building, Berker R.3 touch controls with the hotel's unique symbols help users interact directly with the system, while separate touch-screen control terminals have been installed at reception to ensure efficient and fast administration for staff. The conference room, facade lighting and lighting control for the wellness and common areas are also part of the automated system.
The programming and commissioning of the building automation system took nearly 5 months and in the period since the hotel opened, it has been proven that KNX is the best choice for the design and flawless operation of such a large and complex system. Various devices from big name manufacturers such as Berker, Theben, Eelectron, NetX, Babtec, Intesis. The manufacturer-independent, standardised operation of the system is the biggest advantage of the KNX system.
Historical background
The Drechsler Palace was built in 1886. Designed by Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos, the emblematic building originally served as a pension institution for MÁV, and then served a variety of functions over the decades. The building was popular for its restaurant and café on the ground floor, where Ferenc Liszt and Richard Wagner, among others, stayed. Throughout the 20th century, the building has changed function many times, most recently as a dance school.
Contemporary elegance and historical fidelity
The great challenge of the renovation was to preserve the building's historic value while meeting the requirements of a modern luxury hotel. The general design of the renovation was carried out by Bánáti + Hartvig Architects, while the DVM Group was responsible for the construction. The revived Drechsler Palace offers 151 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre, conference and event facilities. Perhaps the most spectacular innovation is the glass-roofed inner courtyard, which features a daylit community space.
Design and interior decoration
The interior design concept of the hotel is rich and varied, not only referring to local traditions and culture, but also using famous Hungarians such as Harry Houdini as inspiration. Given the building's history with ballet, Swan Lake inspired the design of the black and white suite. The design and decoration of the hotel also incorporates the use of a chess theme, which also evokes Hungarian traditions.
The design is a perfect blend of historic preservation and modern design. Sophisticated technology, which is found in every detail of the hotel, not only ensures comfort and energy efficiency, but also a complete service for guests. The reborn Drechsler Palace is thus the perfect blend of past and present. The building is not only a luxury hotel, but also a historic monument worthy of the city's rich heritage, and once again one of Budapest's prides.