Richter Gedeon Headquarters, Budapest, Hungary
A Harmonious Symbiosis of Glass, Concrete, and Structure
Completed in 2024, the headquarters of the pharmaceutical company Richter Gedeon in Budapest stands out for its successful blend of modern aesthetics and craftsmanship. The façade, incorporating both glass and textured concrete elements shaped by the formliner 2/98 Moldau, combines lightness with strength. RECKLI supplied 71 square meters of the formliner, which was used to create 1,120 square meters of textured concrete, applied both on the exterior and within the building. The precast concrete work was executed by Argomex Kft and FDB – United Forms, which flawlessly brought the technical precision and architectural concept to life.
The Art of Subtle Concrete Structuring
András Csiszér, design director at ZDA – Zoboki Design & Architecture – describes the unique approach to designing the concrete structure. The decision to round off the larger concrete elements gave the material a surprising lightness. "We wanted the concrete to feel like a cushion, creating a subtle movement that dissolves the heaviness of the material," Csiszér explains. This deliberately chosen form lends the concrete an artisanal finesse, offering a restrained yet elegant expression, despite the large surface areas.
Playing with Light, Shadow, and Vertical Lines
One of the central goals in using the formliner 2/98 Moldau was to create vertical dynamics. "The striped pattern visually pulls the building upwards and lends the façade a sense of elegance," Csiszér elaborates. Thanks to the formliner's subtle design, the concrete surfaces feel refined and thoughtfully crafted, rather than overwhelming. Another key element was the minimization of large joints between the concrete pieces. The fine pattern ensures that the transitions are nearly invisible, giving the façade a seamless appearance.
A Gentle Lightness in the Interior
The architectural refinement continues indoors. Curved staircases and expansive glass surfaces define the space, while the subtly applied concrete structure creates a seamless connection between interior and exterior. The architect emphasizes that the choice of a subtle pattern, highlighting the craftsmanship, was a conscious decision: "We didn’t want deep patterns, but rather a surface that is both understated and elegant."
Aesthetic and Function in Harmony
For a company like Richter Gedeon, one of the leaders among the European midpharma companies, it was essential to create workspaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. ZDA - Zoboki Design & Architecture – met these demands by designing an architecture that inspires employees and promotes well-being. The harmonious interplay of glass, concrete, and the RECKLI formliner reflects the values of the company: innovation, functionality, and modesty.
