Villa Barabás in Budapest
This is the winner of a Diploma.
The restoration and reconstruction of a 1841 neo-Classical villa with a large garden and a wine-dresser’s house. After demolishing later extensions to the original building, new contrasting additions in wood and of vaguely oriental inspiration now flank the classical rectangular form with portico on the sides and back.
The original villa was in a state of severe decay and the intention was to return the villa to its recorded ambiance of tranquility and elegance. The old building now houses exhibition spaces and a restaurant, and a gallery and a multi-purpose space in the extensions.
“For the artful harmony of an honest and skillful restoration set within a composition of sensitive, high quality contemporary architecture, leading to the rebirth of a 19th century neo-Classical style villa as a municipal cultural centre.”