A sophisticated aesthetic
MEVA's StarTec and Radius wall formwork played a starring role in the construction of a 20 m tall, plant-shaped viewing tower, built by the shore of Lake Velence, south-west of Budapest.
A sophisticated aesthetic
Situated some 40 km south-west of Budapest and with an average depth of 1.60 m, Lake Velence ranks as Europe's warmest bathing lake. In summer, the location is bustling with both tourists and locals. The attractions now include a new, 20 m tall viewing tower, built in the shape of a calla plant.
Waterfront eye-catcher
The prominence of the waterfront site prompted the customer to stage a design competition for the tower. From a total of 165 entries, a jury singled out the three best proposals on which the local residents were allowed to vote. The competition was won by the distinguished architecture duo Kruppa/Merkel, who submitted a compelling design modelled on the shape of a calla plant.
A sophisticated aesthetic
"The tower takes on a different appearance depending on the perspective," explains on-site project supervisor Kálmán Oberrecht from MEVA Hungary. "To design and build spiralling and overhanging architecture in concrete was an intriguing challenge." As Katalin Katus, responsible for the technical design, points out, "Use of the flexible MEVA AluStar/StarTec systems and Radius units allowed us to dispense with any specially designed assemblies." The specified SB3 fair-faced concrete finish inside the tower, with its 118 steps, was achieved through use of the standard alkus all-plastic form facings.
Flexible and reliable
Tamás Zólyomi, Managing Director of project contractor ZÓLYOMI Fővállalkozó Kft., was highly satisfied with the trouble-free construction programme. "For me, our first collaboration with MEVA was a very positive experience. Only seldom have I witnessed such a high standard of service, professionalism and punctuality in this sector." The local residents at Lake Velence and the many summer tourists are certain to be just as satisfied as they savour the panoramic outlook from their new viewing tower.
Data & Facts
- Project
Viewing tower at Lake Velence, Hungary - Architects
Gábor Kruppa/Tamás Merkel - Principal
VADEX Mezőföldi Erdő- és Vadgazdálkodási Zrt. - Contractor
Zólyomi Fővállalkozó Kft. - MEVA systems
- AluStar/StarTec wall formwork
- Radius circular formwork - Engineering and support
MEVA Zsalurendszerek Zrt., Budapest.
