Workshop

In the heart of the village of Pilismarót, hidden behind dense green trees, we hardly notice the villa from the street. Gusztáv Heckenast's country retreat was designed by Frigyes Feszl in the mid-19th century, but today it stands empty. The huge garden, the villa, and other buildings are now being filled with new life: the woodworking workshop of Pilisi Parkerdő is moving to the site, into the buildings surrounding the courtyard and into a new hall. Utilizing wood as a renewable material, the workshop supplies the surrounding forests with tools made from local timber, from benches and trail signs to birdhouses. The site is also becoming a new community center. The village library and a café occupy the villa, and on Saturdays, we can buy products from local producers at the market. The architectural interventions make a bold contemporary statement with the use of wooden elements and, as a light addition, bring this forgotten monument to life while respecting its existing values.