Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
Embodied carbon overview
- The renovation strategy prioritised adaptive reuse to minimise embodied carbon. The existing prefabricated reinforced concrete structure and concrete panels — typical of Hungary’s 1970s panel housing estates — were retained wherever possible.
- Instead of demolition, only essential changes were made, significantly reducing construction waste and avoiding the emissions associated with producing and transporting new structural materials.
- By extending the lifespan of the original building components, the project preserved their embodied carbon while enabling a full functional transformation.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Operational emissions overview
- To reduce operational energy use, the building envelope was upgraded with additional insulation, new glazing, and skylights that improve natural daylight penetration and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
- Modernised ventilation, heating, and cooling systems replaced outdated mechanical equipment, cutting demand and improving comfort.
- A roof-mounted air-to-water heat pump now provides primary heating, supported by the existing district heating network, which was retained to avoid unnecessary redundancy.
- Energy-efficient lighting is digitally controlled through building automation systems, further optimising consumption. Solar panels supplement the energy supply with on-site renewable generation.
Afterlife
Circular principles guided both design and construction. Retaining the original prefab structure was the most significant circular act, avoiding demolition waste and extending the lifespan of durable concrete elements. Materials were upgraded selectively — from insulation and finishes to mechanical systems — supporting performance while keeping options open for future adaptation. Interiors also include modular, block-like furniture elements that are flexible and adaptable, extending their useful life beyond the current programme.
The selective upgrading approach means many components — such as insulation, finishes, and mechanical systems — were added without wholesale replacement, allowing easier disassembly in the future. This strategy ensures that elements can be more readily separated and re-used, maximising circular potential and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
