Special technology is used to protect the collection of the Pannonhalma Archabbey Library

The library of the Pannonhalma Benedictine Archabbey, a World Heritage Site, is not only a distinguished ecclesiastical collection but also one of the most important repositories of Hungarian cultural heritage: it houses Hungary’s oldest book collection, whose protected holdings form part of the universal and national cultural heritage. It is in this unique, historic setting that ALASZKA Épületgépészeti Kft. will carry out the climate adaptation modernisation works, having won the tender.

A germ-free airlock and an air-handling system are being installed in the library

The task facing the company awarded the contract is complex. Recently, a severe insect infestation was detected in the Pannonhalma Archabbey Library, particularly in the reading room. The causes cited were adverse environmental factors and insects brought in by the large number of visitors.
The task facing the specialists at ALASZKA Épületgépészeti Kft. is not merely a standard construction project: as part of the works, a decontamination airlock must be installed in front of the library’s internal entrance, and the building’s air handling and ductwork systems must also be constructed.
The project also covers the associated design tasks, as well as the necessary electrical, masonry and carpentry work.

The mechanical systems must be adapted to the characteristics of the listed building

According to the tender documentation, the design and construction phases of the project cannot be separated, as this is the only way to establish the specialised technological system capable of safeguarding the priceless book collection in the long term. The work is made all the more significant by the fact that the project is being carried out at a World Heritage site protected as a historic monument, where any intervention must be adapted to both the historic environment and the requirements of collection conservation.