Demolition work on the Jenő Lechner building nears completion

After taking over the site and carrying out the organisational tasks, the electrical, mechanical and architectural demolition work began in the Jenő Kismarty-Lechner Jenő building in Sárospatak, which will be reborn as the main building of the Tokaj-Hegyalja University, founded in 2021, but building on older traditions.

Built in 1913 to the design of Jenő Kismarty-Lechner, the building, with its imposing park of considerable value, will be restored and extended according to the plans of 4D Építész Stúdió.

The nearly 3,200-square-metre, two-storey former Teacher Training College is undergoing a complete exterior and interior renovation. This will include the roof structure, partial facade reconstruction, facade painting and replacement of doors and windows, which will be carried out by the contractor KE-VÍZ 21 Zrt..

The heating will be provided by a heat pump, for which the entire heating system will be replaced, but the electrical, water and sewerage systems will also be new. In addition to the teaching and community spaces, the bathrooms will be renewed, while the classrooms will be lit by 800 modern, energy-efficient luminaires.

Demolition nears its end

"The demolition works will be completed soon, after which we will do the waterproofing, followed by the reconstruction of the dismantled ground floor layers," Mezősi Marina told us.

As the building has been in continuous use for more than a hundred years since it was first handed over, the demolition had some structural surprises in store for the contractor. The KE-VÍZ team also encountered interestingly constructed walls and materials. In addition, the fact that the building is not a listed building, but the local heritage protection requires the creation of windows and surfaces on the façade with the same appearance as the existing ones, poses a particular challenge.

"It is important for us to work on another public institution and we hope that thousands of students will be able to study here for hundreds of years to come," said the project manager, emphasizing the company's commitment to quality construction.

As we have already reported, further developments are expected around the university in the coming years: a new dormitory and sports centre will be built, effectively creating a small student centre in Sárospatak.