Sustainable service, contemporary environment

The Truck Centert, designed for climate neutrality, was commissioned by Volvo Hungária Kft. and based on the plans of Óbuda Group and implemented by Weinberg ’93 Építő Kft.. The building has been in use for months, so we were able to ask representatives of the companies involved about their experiences as well as the concept.

<We talked to Attila Marosi, Project Director of Óbuda Group, Boglárka Balogh, Interior Designer of Óbuda Group, and Tamás Somogyi, Service Market and Retail Director of Volvo Hungária Kft..

Contemporary environment

Boglárka Balogh, the interior designer of Óbuda Group, helped us to get to know the interior design concept of the building. According to her, Volvo has its own design manual, which sets out strict guidelines for the design of office spaces, and a new version of the manual was published during the design phase, with fresh design requirements.

"We were pleased to have a colour and material guide that was more in tune with today's times, but at the same time, the deadline meant that the redesign was a challenge"

- recalled Boglárka Balogh, adding that "we easily identified with the guidelines for office spaces set out in the manual and did not feel bound to use them."

Colours and themes inspired by Swedish landscapes give the office spaces a homely Scandinavian feel, which the designers have translated into the other spaces:

"In the public spaces," he added, "we were given complete freedom, so a more industrial look predominates, but we kept the use of colour and materials to give a coherent overall interior look."

Spatial design for unity

The architectural concept of the Óbuda Group designers has provided an excellent basis for this, allowing plenty of natural light into the office spaces, making the interior almost completely transparent. A recurring motif in all the larger rooms are acoustic wall panels with geometric patterns, which can be interpreted as abstract art.

"There are very nice connections between the spaces and imaginative terrace solutions, and dynamic elements give the building exterior a sense of movement. This makes it much more than a hall building"

- the interior designer pointed out the details. Sustainability was a key consideration in the design process, with the client wanting a green, almost carbon-neutral building complex. This approach was taken into account in all areas, from the mechanical and electrical systems to the layering of the building, the design of the green spaces and the use of architectural and interior materials.

Office space, public spaces, a training area and a service hall had to be organised, and the designers had a good starting point in knowing the Volvo stands. "We were working on a tried and tested formula, the challenge," he says, "was more the mixed user mix: we had to adapt the ensemble to a wide range of characters (from office workers to physical workers). We created permeable zones of their own in the spaces, with a uniform interior design: both office and service workers had the same level of relaxation and back-up areas, creating a remarkable unity in the building."

Coordinated work was needed

Attila Marosi, Project Director of Óbuda Group, spoke about the Group's diverse project management activities related to the project. Óbuda Group was responsible for the complete design, implementation and technical supervision of Volvo's new headquarters.

"Our designers were responsible for obtaining the necessary construction and installation permits," summarised the project director, "but we also organised the full tendering process for the general contractors, supported the contracting process and managed the changes that occurred during construction."

Looking back on the construction project, Attila Marosi pointed out that the groundwater was a challenge for both the contractor and the construction team, as it was essential to ensure the drainage of the work site in order to enable the contractor to carry out the foundation and road construction works.

Serious technical requirements

The meeting of the different functions raised a number of questions: the separation and combination of office and service spaces was a priority. Attila Marosi also mentioned the harmonisation of the technical requirements of the technological systems in the service stations - oil systems, test lanes, integrated hoists, cranes, traction bench, truck wash - as a key point.

"Because of the special function of the installation room, there is hardly a square metre of bedding in which a wire or protective pipe is not running," he recalls.

It proved to be a particularly exciting challenge to accommodate the very different needs of the office building and the service centre in a single building.

"It was key that together with our designers we were able to offer optimal solutions to the challenges that arose for everyone," the project director emphasized.

Forward-looking development

Tamás Somogyi, the Volvo Hungária Kft. service market and retail manager, has already reported to us about his experiences in use. As he emphasized:

"In line with Volvo's global guidelines, expectations included sustainable operations (including climate neutrality and energy efficiency), modern technological infrastructure, support for employee well-being, and a consistent image and quality."

It was important for the building to reflect Volvo's values: safety, environmental awareness, people-focus. Their first experience shows that the new headquarters, which was consciously chosen to be located in Ecser, close to major transport routes, motorways and airports, is a perfect match for these three principles.

The building passed the test

"The building works well, the working environment is comfortable and inspiring, and the feedback from clients is very positive. Colleagues particularly appreciate the bright, ergonomic office spaces, the modern common areas and the green features such as the sunny dining area and the open atrium with plants."

- "The modern, spacious and well-equipped workshop hall, where work is more efficient and safer, is a great improvement, as is the dedicated training centre, which contributes to the continuous development of our professionals and to further improving the quality of the services we provide to our customers."

The central office and service centre of Volvo Hungária Kft. in Ecseri Office of the Year 2024 competition finalist in the Industrial Office of the Year category.