The purpose of the WELL certification, which has been continuously developed using scientific methods for a decade, is to build office buildings that, in addition to environmental protection, also positively affect the health, well-being and comfort of those working there. The Washington-based IWBI’s system examines projects based on ten categories, including air, thermal comfort, light, community, mind, movement, water, sound, materials and nourishment.
The very first WELL certification in Hungary was obtained by the Corvin Technology Park office building on Corvin Sétány, also developed by Futureal in 2021, followed by the two phases of Advance Tower and Budapest ONE located near Kelenföld railway station. The opening phase of the office building was the first in the country to meet the IWBI’s most stringent WELL Platinum level requirements in 2022, which the last two phases also met. Futureal was supported by the experts of ABUD Mérnökiroda Kft. ABUD Engineering during the process of achieving the certification.
The WELL certification guarantees that the air and water quality in the office building is of the highest standard, as are the acoustics and lighting. The interior walls are covered with calming colours and natural materials, the lobbies are decorated with artwork, and the staircases are decorated with quotations from famous artists. A book exchange has been set up under the arcades. The lobbies are equipped with drinking points offering controlled water quality and a “WELL library” focusing on spiritual and mental health. The building provides a multifunctional “WELL room”, a spacious courtyard, a green roof garden and a panoramic running track on the roof for relaxation and community building. Showers, changing rooms, and numerous indoor and outdoor bike storage facilities are available. Half a hectare of open public space has been created inside the complex. It boasts a uniquely designed green space that helps to increase biodiversity and is a popular meeting place. A low-flow irrigation system has also been installed, controlled by the weather. The structure of Budapest ONE is resilient to weather and climate change. The building is equipped with an energy-efficient, intelligent central building management system, a heat recovery ventilation system and a solar power system to meet the electricity needs of the offices. Furthermore, electric car charging is available and selective waste collection is a fundamental aspect of the building’s design.
“The office market has changed drastically in recent years, with tenants turning to office buildings that provide inspiring communal spaces for colleagues and team spirit while contributing to companies’ ESG performance. The success of the Budapest ONE concept is demonstrated by the fact that the new phases are home to Vodafone’s new office centre and BT’s (British Telecom) regional service centre, among others,” emphasised Gábor Radványi, Chief Architect of Futureal Development.
The office building is located at the junction of Kelenföld railway station, metro line 4 and the M1-M7 motorways. It is easily accessible from the capital, Budapest’s city centre, and other cities in the countryside or the agglomeration. Office workers at Budapest ONE have easy access to a wide selection of shops and services at the base of the building, as well as the full range of Etele Plaza, a major shopping centre within walking distance, also developed by Futureal.
The first phase of Futureal’s latest office development, the Corvin Innovation Campus, built as the extension of Corvin Promenade, is also realised according to the WELL Platinum certification. The 16,650 square metres development with A+; A+ energy rating is currently one of Hungary’s most energy-efficient office buildings, located at the junction of Szigony utca and Tömő utca. The Corvin Innovation Campus has attracted significant tenants such as IBM and Turbine thanks to its people-centric, environmentally friendly and digital solutions.
