Zsámbék is a predominantly Catholic town with a rich cultural and architectural heritage located 30 kilometres from Budapest.
The small Reformed community established back in the 18th century contributes to the religious diversity of Zsámbék. The growth and development of this congregation is based on its ability to reach out to the residents of the town including those who have moved there from Budapest.
Recognising this, the congregation established the Csillagvilág (Starlight) Reformed Kindergarten 12 years ago in an impressive old building in a rather poor condition. The kindergarten was very popular from the outset and quickly outgrew its premises. The congregation was eagerly looking for ways to expand when a plot of land next to their church became available.
Thus, in a seemingly random chain of events, the opportunity arose to build a kindergarten next to the church. This could not have been more meaningful, as it resulted in a building complex that symbolically expresses the close and loving relationship between the congregation and the kindergarten.
In addition to fulfilling its traditional role, the Csillagvilág Reformed Kindergarten is also committed to providing day care fordisabled children in the region. An early development centre has also been integrated into the building to provide invaluable support to families raising children with disabilities.
Team:
Architecture, General Designer: Archikon Architects
Lead Architects: Csaba Nagy, Károly Pólus, Krisztina Timar- Major, Éva Nahoczki, Gábor Laczkó, Judit Tajti
Structural engineer: Gábor Cséfalvay, (TETRAPLAN KFT.)
Building engineer: Csaba Makáry, (AGOREX KFT.)
Electrical engineer: György Kapitor, (ZONE-PLAN KFT.)
Fire protection engineer: Gabriella Pukánszky, (NOKESY DESIGN KFT.)
Kitchen technology: Árpád Rátonyi, (QUARTISSE KFT)
Landscape architecture: Máté Pécsi, Wang Xiao, (OBJEKT Tájépítész Iroda)
Client: Zsámbék Reformed Parish
Project manager: Reformed Church of Hungary National Kindergarten Programme - Kindergarten Development Project Office
Contractor: C.S.T. Komplex Kft.
Photo Credits: Balázs Danyi
