Debrecen's iconic tower building to undergo exterior and interior renovation

According to the EU public procurement notice, energy efficiency improvements are being carried out at the Theoretical Sciences Building of the University of Debrecen.  The project is divided into two parts: TÖMB 2002 Kft. will carry out the external energy efficiency improvements to the building for a net contract value of HUF 999 million. The other winner of the public procurement tender is Hunép Zrt., which will carry out the internal energy efficiency improvements for a net contract value of HUF 753 million.

The original architectural appearance will be preserved.

The building located on the Nagyerdei Campus along Nagyerdei Boulevard has defined the landscape of the area for decades: it was built in the 1970s based on the designs of Tibor Mikolás. The complex, consisting of a two-storey flat-roofed building and an adjoining ten-storey tower, houses laboratories, classrooms, offices and communal spaces.

During the external development work now underway, the building's boundary structures – i.e. the façade and external cladding – are being renovated in order to significantly reduce operating costs. The modernisation is being carried out while retaining the original architectural appearance.

New power cables will also be installed due to increased energy demand.

As part of the internal energy development, a completely new heat supply system will be built. Two ground source heat pumps with a water-water system and 110 geothermal probes connected to them will provide heating and cooling for the building. Part of the existing system, such as the underfloor heating in the auditorium, will remain, but new power cables will also be installed to meet the increased energy demand.

The Theoretical Block, with a usable floor space of approximately 10,530 square metres, will become more modern and energy-efficient as a result of the investment, ensuring more sustainable operation for the university in the long term.