SELF-LEVELING CEMENT-BASED SYSTEM
Flooring inspired by royal attire
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: BEATRIX TORMA
The wall surface of the Buda Castle's lift pavilion, both striking and natural in appearance and coloured with mineral pigments, is the result of an innovative experiment and a creative concept inspired by historical and artistic influences.
BUDA CASTLE
SELF-LEVELING CEMENT-BASED SYSTEM
The long-neglected western side of the Buda Castle overlooking the Tabán gardens has, as a result of recent reconstruction efforts, once again become a fully integrated part of the castle grounds. Thanks to the landscaping, visitors can walk down to the lower terrace via the Stöckl stairs and take the huge new elevator to the Palace Road at the foot of the Castle. According to the design, the elevator structure at the courtyard level in the Csikós Courtyard received a striking, large mirrored glass envelope, while at the entrance facing Palace Road, the goal was a clear, discreet and high-quality appearance that preserves the prominence of Ybl’s wall architecture.
Cement-based cladding coloured with mineral pigments
Developed in collaboration with Iamart, this unique design and construction work utilizes the ultratop self-leveling cement-based system, originally intended for flooring.
The red material, already striking on its own and coloured with mineral pigments, is enhanced by an innovative technology designed for vertical surfaces, as well as by the discreet yet distinctive decorative elements that define the appearance of the surface, making it even more special.
Inspiring Art
Iamart’s design was inspired by one of the defining works of art in St. Stephen’s Hall, restored to its original splendour and created by some of the finest craftsmen and artists of the turn of the century. The bust of King Saint Stephen, crafted by master sculptor Alajos Strobl and produced by Vilmos Zsolnay, was originally designed for the fireplace. The decoration of the panels created by Iamart was inspired by the attire of the apostolic royal statue. The cement-based surface, with nearly ten thousand stainless steel rhombuses mixed into the pigmented binder, creates a subtly shimmering effect, making the work both elegantly understated and contemporary, while also connecting it with the history of the palace.
