CEU Campus new buildings

The renovation of the Central European University (CEU) campus in the city centre was intended to create a 21st-century, sustainable and technologically advanced university infrastructure that supports international-standard education, research and university community life. The investment site is located in Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage-protected city centre, which required particular care and complex technical solutions during both the design and construction phases.

Market Építő Zrt. participated in the project as a general contractor through a consortium formed with STRABAG BMTI Kft., during which two building blocks were constructed, totalling approximately 20,000 m² of floor space. In the case of the building at 13 Nádor Street, we retained the historic façade and completely redesigned and modernised the interior spaces. The other, newly constructed block was built entirely in contemporary architecture, with natural stone cladding and perforated sunshade façade panels. The uniqueness of the project lies in the fact that while creating a contemporary university environment, the historical architectural values were also preserved.

We have created a number of high-tech educational and community functions in the two buildings, including a 400-seat divisible auditorium with integrated sound, lighting and broadcasting systems, multi-level study corners and community spaces, and lecture halls equipped with two media rooms suitable for live broadcasting and webinars. The buildings are acoustically optimised: sound-absorbing coverings in the corridors dampen noise, while in the classrooms, they reduce sound reflection, improving the quality of lectures.

Sustainability was a key consideration during development, resulting in the project receiving a “Very Good” rating in the international BREEAM certification system. The campus design includes a glazed roof structure that not only optimises natural light but also allows for passive ventilation, a rainwater harvesting system, and a bird- and bee-friendly green roof.

The CEU campus project is an outstanding example of how to create a modern, sustainable and innovative educational infrastructure that meets the highest international technical and aesthetic standards while respecting local values.