Este’r partners is working on the interior design concept of one of the most popular hotel complexes of lake Balaton.
In the freshly renovated Hotel Marina-Port, the lobby and bar will use natural materials, oak wood and earthy colors to create a cozy yet elegant environment upon arrival. The key words are the harmonious meeting of old and new and affordable luxury.
Design plans on our website: https://www.esterpartners.com/hu/portfolio/hotel-marina-port/
Zazie Bistro&Bar, the new restaurant of the MOL Campus, was realized based on the interior design concept of este’r partners. Operating as a café in the morning, a bistro during the day and a casual bar in the evening, at Zazie you can experience a real sense of flow: nature shines through not only on the large glass surfaces but also in the interior, you can relax in small bays in the cozy lounge area and have lunch or dinner in cool restaurant booths.
The interior design team has focused on the Danube experience, as they explained there are very few restaurants in Budapest where you can sit near the river during a long lunch or a night out. The MOL Campus also has a unique feature: while the modern high-rise building designed by Foster+Partners of London has a contemporary style, it overlooks the former factory buildings of the Buda Danube district, continuing the bay of Lágymányos. Modern glass surfaces, stunning views and an old industrial quarter in the distance are coupled with beautiful natural features: pampas grasses dancing in the wind, a green riverbank and sunshine.
The idea behind the design was to blend the urban, modern features of the building and its surroundings with nature to create an intimate, inviting, light interior where visitors can take a break from workdays and relax.
“When designing the restaurant’s interior, we were inspired by paddling on the Danube: the river flowing beneath you at a calming slowness as you enter the reeds and discover new, small worlds everywhere. We wanted to capture this experience through the design: a space that gives you a sense of calm, comfort, yet it is vibrant, no matter what time of day you arrive,” says Eszter Radnóczy, interior designer and lead designer.
When you enter, you can literally hug a tree in the café area: whether you’re working on your laptop or just in for a work meeting, coffee and pastries enhance the experience. You can enjoy a unique lounge area in the restaurant’s bay: comfy sofas, wicker lamps, natural colors and materials.
A very special openwork material, a burnt hollow decorative brick from Mutina factory, covers the entire interior wall of the restaurant, which runs parallel to the outer glass shell and separates the kitchen area from the dining area. Above the large, flowing, curved wall, textiles are floating on the ceiling.
The concept of the flooring also evokes the paddling experience, where a reddish circular mosaic of many small circles flows into a large-scale terrazzo flooring and leads the guests all the way to the back corner. This flow is framed by a uniquely patterned colorful carpet evoking the bubbling Danube, designed by este’r partners and created by the Italian factory Radici. The tropical floor tiles, symbolizing washed wood and recalling the bay of Lágymányos, blend into this solid yet multi-colored mix of materials.
Each table in the restaurant has been designed to offer a different experience, with the option of curved booths or arbor seatings. And the area dedicated to exclusive events is in an elevated unit: a fresh design and a space for private conversations, with the same panoramic view.
In the restaurant area, the eye is drawn to the custom-designed upholstery, created by este’r partners with their own pattern designed on the Italian textile brand, Flukso’s materials. The dynamic pattern is balanced by pinkish-peach tones, with the columns covered in a soft cushion-like covering at the bottom.
At Zazie, the design experience flows, rocking us on the waves of the river, it feels good to arrive.
Photo: Csaba Villányi
Este’r partners designed a high-end apartment for their client in the exciting industrial environment of Budapest’s 11th district. In an interview, interior designer Csilla Szabó shared some interesting details about the project.
What is so special about this industrial part of Budapest, where the newly planned apartment is located?
As the historical records show, in the second half of the 19th century the milling industry developed significantly in Budapest, and several large steam mills were built. It was during this period, in 1879 that the Gizella Mill was built on Soroksári Street in the 9th district of Budapest, designed by Károly Bachmann, commissioned by the Krausz-Moskovits family. After the change of regime, the mill was listed as a historical monument, the interior was demolished in 2000, and then in 2009 office buildings, a hotel and residential apartments were built inside the remaining walls. This is where our client bought a loft apartment, which was designed by the team of este’r partners and where we worked on the interior design execution all the way to the handover of the project..
What was the client’s request and what was the starting point for the project?
The structural design of the apartment with exposed brickwork inside, ground floor and mezzanine floor, stairs, terrace was suitable for a small office; the owner requested a change of function to convert it into an apartment for himself. In terms of design, simple, modest interiors were the main focus, which was a real joy for us, as we could keep the emphasis on the space. However, the most important aspect was to achieve a unique look with subtle elements in the space. The spatial structure provided us with a fantastic basis for our work, the challenge was to create residential functions along the inner gallery (an area without frontal windows).
Tell us about the spatial structure, the division of the space, the room layout.
We planned to keep the original spatial structure but develop the apartment function: the windows on the double level illuminate the living room, we did not plan a wall in the open space structure, the owner requested the kitchen function on the ground floor to be created with windows, so the ground floor guest room/study room was designed without windows, and on the ground floor there was also a utility room and a bathroom with sauna. Opening up the interior room, connecting it as much as possible to the large space, and defining it with large sliding glass doors were also important design considerations.
The upstairs guest bedroom is also designed as an interior room and although the upstairs bedroom has a small window facing the Danube, both rooms have been designed to maximize the amount of light from the gallery through a glass wall.
In the design of the corridor with walk-in closets connecting the rooms, transparency and the maximum amount of light from the gallery were also key factors.
What exciting solutions did you implement in the living room? What makes this space unique?
On the one hand, the internal glass and lamella wall system on the gallery level, which encloses the upper level and enriches the original spatial structure.
In the original space, which was bordered by exposed brick walls, a single large white painted partition wall seemed strange in the space, so a mural was painted on this surface to break through the wall and extend the space.
The lighting was the most exciting task in the vast space of the living room, replacing the previous industrial lamps and designing lamps that are rarely used in residential spaces due to the lack of ceiling heights. These lamps are delicate, light, airy and blend almost imperceptibly into the space.
How does a special spiral staircase and brick wall transform the apartment?
The original staircase was retained for cost-effectiveness reasons, and it also functions well, being comfortable, wide, and good at breaking up the angularity of the space, as well as having a sculptural effect. The brick wall in its original condition was not suitable for the owner, so we replaced and repaired the missing and damaged elements, and impregnated the surface. In the completed apartment, it became a prominent and dominant element of the space, which no longer required the use of other decorative interior elements.
Tell us about the unique solutions for storage and lighting.
With a restrained, more geometric use of architectural lamps, the principle of less is more works throughout the whole concept, including the lighting. In the interior room on the ground floor, we designed a carpet with custom-made graphic illuminated with adjustable lighting on the ceiling.
In the living room, the suspended linear lighting from the vaulted ceiling appears as a bracket on the brick wall surface, but there are no fixtures on the unique brick wall, we installed them on the floor.
Storage solutions include a number of exciting elements, such as wall-mounted hall and kitchen furniture, or custom storage units covered with full length mirrors in the bathrooms – these do not actually look like furniture in the space.
What makes this apartment truly a ‘Budapest home’ and gives it an ‘este’r partners style’?
We have utilized the existing elements of the renovation of the historic industrial mill, focused on its structure and finishes, while preserving its architectural character, and this has been supported by the interior design from start to finish with unique elements and solutions to create a cozy atmosphere for our client in this exceptional space. We agreed to complete this project with the contractor, keeping a constant eye on costs, preparing and delivering this apartment during the most difficult period of the construction industry in recent years, so I can honestly say that this is our work as the team of este’r partners in every aspect.
A professional experience of visiting KALDEWEI factory in Ahlen, Germany, creator of shower trays, bathtubs or washbasins. Steel enamel is not only their material but also passion that moves them with maximum precision, timeless design and technological innovation.
Thank you for organizing this trip for us, David Várkonyi!
The newest villa park in Mártonhegy, in the 12th district of Budapest, will be based on the interior design concept of este’r partners. The high-class investment is being built in a forest setting and focuses on the meeting of soft, natural spaces and sophisticated elegance. The seven villas feature some of the finest European design, creating cozy spaces that residents can enjoy every day. Eszter Radnóczy, the lead designer, and her team are now taking us into their world of clean and unique design – as usual, with a little Italian twist.
Each of the seven apartments in the villa park has a private garden and a large terrace, so a perfectly cozy private space is created in the vast area. The interior design concept of the apartments was created by Eszter Radnóczy, lead designer, and the interior design studio este’r partners, in the spirit of elegant, soft design, always keeping in mind that the soft colors of the nearby forest and nature should be reflected in the interior of the apartments.
“In Hungary, it is rare to find the kind of unity of thought that we have here during the development in Mártonhegy,” says Eszter Radnóczy. When the architectural concept is in such deep harmony with the interior design, it is guaranteed that every detail will be ideally positioned, harmonious, valuable and timeless.”
The forward-looking elegance of the apartments combines a high level of spatial organization with sophisticated design solutions. In this villa, the living-dining room functions are beautifully blended and the room is divided by spectacular and comfortable furniture. The space is characterized by soft curves and rounded surfaces, which play an important role in creating a cozy atmosphere. The natural colors on the walls, the textiles and the choice of furniture resonate with the surroundings and the forests of Buda. The harmonious balance is broken only by a single distinctive piece, such as the Besana rug in the living room or the striking armchair in the bedroom.
“According to our clients, the character of the work of the este’r partners often has a female perspective, a woman’s touch. This applies here too: we believe that the soul of a home designed with a female logic lies in the numerous storage spaces, the hidden surfaces, the soft details and the harmony that runs through every detail – all of which contribute to the feeling of coziness. This is especially important in projects such as this villa development, where the buyer only needs to arrive with one suitcase – everything else is a part of the new home,” adds Eszter Radnóczy.
In the Buda villa park, only the large sliding doors and other huge windows separate the residents from the garden and the forest. The apartments are built with smart solutions and the technology needed for efficient operation, keeping sustainable solutions in mind. The real highlight is the designer kitchen by the Italian premium kitchen technology giant Valcucine, which can completely hide all the functional parts if needed, and offers one of the best premium solutions on the market when it comes to cooking.
A key focal point in the design was a functional, inspiring study, as with the recent rise of remote work, residents can spend full working days in this room. The star of the newly presented apartment is a chair by the unconventional Italian brand, Black Tie. It offers not only the ergonomics needed for optimal working, but also looks aesthetically pleasing. The bedroom’s bed and comfortable armchair are perfect for recharging, while the carefully selected lamps and lights ensure complete relaxation. The apartment is furnished with the Italian brand, Cosy’s wardrobe closet, introducing the world’s most enviable luxury wardrobes to the residents of the villa park.
In this project, este’r partners uses almost the entire range of products from their showroom Estorio, near the Opera House, opened this spring, in order to create an exclusive harmony in design. The apartments feature premium products from Italian, Dutch and German design in an unique chemistry. Valcucine’s kitchen solutions combine a sustainable approach with high-tech solutions, while Rubelli’s fabulous textiles and Galotti&Radice’s unique elegance or the refined lamps of the Italian ZavaLuce provide a real sense of luxury.
In the most elegant neighborhood of Buda, in a house of great architectural importance, a complex interior design project was realized by Eszter Radnóczy, lead designer, and the team of este’r partners.
The city apartment with panoramic views of the Danube has three en suite bedrooms, a spacious American kitchen and an elegant living room. The original layout of the apartment was complex, with varying ceiling heights and a confusing wall system, so the first challenge was to develop the ideal floor plan – the result was a spacious, clean space.
The classical interior is characterized by a minimalist use of materials: the marble-like, large-format tiles, the natural, soothing colors, the wood paneling and the large but light furnishings create a beautiful harmony. The atmosphere of Buda is enhanced by the rebuilt stucco and wooden panels, the work was carefully completed by the este’r partners’ own team.
The project won the international award of Emilgroup in Prestigue category in 2022.
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Lead designers: Eszter Radnóczy, Hajnalka Zellei
Photo: Dániel Molnár
Júniusban megnyitotta kapuit a Hotel Oktogon, amely eredeti építtetője szándéka szerint az Andrássy út kedvelt palotája, később közkönyvtár volt, sőt egy ideig Budapest egyik népszerű szórakozóhelyeként is működött. Az épület a három évig tartó felújítás után most szállodaként nyitott meg, az este’r partners belsőépítész iroda (vezető tervezők: Radnóczy Eszter, Zellei Hajnalka) és az építészpartner Archikon tervei alapján.
Az Andrássy út 52. alatt álló neoreneszánsz stílusú palota a 19. század végén, 1884-1886 között épült, tervezője a Párisi Udvart és az Uránia Nemzeti Filmszínház épületét is jegyző Schmahl Henrik, az építtető pedig a svájci származású malomtulajdonos és sörgyáros Haggenmacher Henrik volt.
Az előkelő palota a mostani restaurálás és megújulás során eredeti karakterét megtartva él tovább, a reprezentatív kapu mögött húzódó belső udvarban a lovak és kocsik helyett most lobby-t és reggelizőteret találunk, a gangok mennyezeti részletei visszanyerték eredeti szépségüket, míg a belsőépítészet inkább sportos és lezser maradt, igazodva a szálloda célközönségének stílusához.
Rövid interjúnkban Radnóczy Eszter vezető tervezőt kérdeztük a palota megújulásának belsőépítészeti munkájáról.
Melyek az épület történetéből azok a részletek, történetek, amelyek fontossá váltak nektek a tervezés során?
A Haggenmacher, majd a Dreher család története és számos ingatlanberuházása Budapest belvárosában mind figyelemre méltóak. A Haggemacher-palota központi lépcsőháza, a festett boltívek, mennyezetek, és a beszökő természetes fény jellemzik az épületet. Ezek a kiemelt elemek mind a műemléki restaurálás utáni eredeti megjelenésüket kapták vissza, és komoly, a jövő számára átmentett értékeket képviselnek. Ennek újjászületésében részt venni hosszú, megterhelő munkafolyamat, egyben felemelő élmény volt.
Milyen a lobby hangulata?
A lobby részben a műemléki épülethez tartozó teret az építész tervezők összenyitották a korabeli lépcsőházzal. Ez a tér így új funkciót és értelmezést kap, mivel a korábbi nyitott udvar az üvegtetővel zárt térré válik. Míg a padlóburkolat és a homlokzati elemek követik a műemlékterek stílusát, addig a berendezés és az installációs elemek a hotel fiatalos, kozmopolita hangulatához alkalmazkodnak. Színesek, letisztultak, kényelmesek, multifunkcionálisak és lendületet sugároznak.
Milyen megoldásokat használtatok a történeti szobákban?
A műemléki szobák sajátossága az eredeti fapanel-burkolat, mely a restaurálás során visszakapta az eredeti világos diófa színét. A szobák nagy mérete lehetővé tette, hogy a fürdőszoba-blokkokat úgy alakítsuk ki, hogy a szoba közepére kerüljenek, ezzel meghagyva az eredeti kazettás faburkolatot a külső falakon. Ez a központi téralakítás lehetővé tette, hogy a műemléki szobán belül tagoljuk a teret háló, közlekedő és nappali zónára. A központi fürdőszobablokk egy üvegdobozzá vált, mely minden oldalról tükrözi a fapanel burkolatokat. A falak és a mennyezet színe sötétzöld, mely mély árnyalatok illeszkednek a fapanelekhez. A berendezést a klasszikus-modern kombinációja jellemzi.
A szálloda sportos, vagány, de elegáns is. Mit “enged meg” a 3 csillag?
Az épület nagyon sok élményt és értéket hordoz magában, szerintem ez az Andrássy út egyik legizgalmasabb háza, amely gyönyörű volt már felújítás előtt is. A megújult design új életet, frissességet hordoz, kiegészíti a korabeli értékeket úgy, hogy közben az eredeti enteriőr ne sérüljön, azonban felújítás új tulajdonságokat, a mai kornak megfelelő kényelmet, funkcionális és esztétikai igényeket szolgáljon ki.
Mik az épület design-highlightjai?
Az épület alapvető építőelemei meghatározóak voltak: ilyenek a melegszürke kődíszítések, pillérek, párkányok, a fekete és világosszürke diagonális, pepita padlóburkolat, valamint a levélmintás lépcsőházi festett mennyezetek, melyek színkompozíciója a felújítás során tárult fel. A belsőépítészetben dinamikus színekre kottáztuk az épület nem műemléki területét. A hármas alapszín kombináció, a vörös, a zöld és a kék, és azok pasztell árnyalatai végigfutnak az épületen, hol együtt, hol külön-külön. A szobák vidámak és kompaktak, a szín- és anyaghasználat minősége teszi őket érdekessé. A lobby légies megjelenése és vegyes funkciója is érdekes, hiszen ez bár és reggeliző tér is egyben. A redukált és íves formavilágú bútorok mellet megjelennek olyan tárgyak, melyek proporciója tudatosan figyelemfelkeltő. Ilyenek a magas nyakú állólámpák és a virágkaspók is, melyek erősítik vizuális élményt.
Fotó: Tamás Pál
Nyitókép: Sebestyén László / Forbes
Hotel Oktogon opened its doors in June, the building was originally a much-loved palace on Andrássy Avenue, later a public library and, for a time, one of Budapest’s favorite nightclubs. After three years of renovation, the building is now open as a hotel, designed by este’r partners interior design studio (lead designers: Eszter Radnóczy, Hajnalka Zellei) and architectural partner Archikon.
The neo-Renaissance palace at 52 Andrássy Avenue was built at the end of the 19th century, between 1884 and 1886, designed by Henrik Schmahl, who also designed the Párisi Court and the Urania National Film Theater, and developed by the Swiss-born brewer and mill owner Henrik Haggenmacher.
The elegant palace has been restored and renovated, retaining its original character, the inner courtyard behind the representative gate now features a lobby and a breakfast area instead of horses and carriages, the details of the ceiling in the corridors were given back their original beauty, while the interior design remained sporty and casual, designed to match the style of the hotel’s guests.
In our short interview, we talked to lead designer Eszter Radnóczy about the interior design of the palace’s renovation.
What are the details and stories from the history of the building that were important to you in the design process?
The history of the Haggenmacher and later the Dreher family and their numerous real estate investments in the center of Budapest are all remarkable. The Haggemacher Palace is characterized by its central staircase, painted arches, ceilings and natural light. All of these outstanding features have been restored to their original appearance and represent a significant legacy for the future. Being part of its rebirth has been a long, challenging process, but definitely an exciting experience.
Can you describe the atmosphere in the lobby?
The architects have linked the part of the historic building to the contemporary staircase in the lobby. Now this space has a new function and meaning with the former open courtyard becoming a space enclosed by a glass roof. While the flooring and facade elements follow the style of historic buildings, the furnishings and installation elements are adapted to the hotel’s youthful, cosmopolitan atmosphere. They are colorful, clean, comfortable and vibrant.
What solutions did you use in the historic room?
The rooms are characterized by their original wood paneling, which has been restored to its original light walnut color. The large size of the rooms allowed the bathroom blocks to be positioned in the center of the room, leaving the original coffered wood paneling on the exterior walls. This central spatial planning allowed us to divide the space within the historic room into a bedroom, a hallway and a living room. The walls and ceilings are dark green, with deep shades to match the wooden panels. The furnishings are a classic-modern combination.
The hotel is sporty and cool, but also elegant. What does 3 stars “allow you to do”?
The building has a lot to offer in terms of experience and value, I think it is one of the most exciting houses on Andrássy Avenue – it was beautiful even before the renovation. The new design brings new life, freshness and complements the heritage of the period, without damaging the original, but renovating it to serve new values, modern comfort and functional and aesthetic needs.
What are the design highlights of the building?
The basic building elements were dominant: warm gray stone decorations, pillars, cornices, black and light gray diagonal checked flooring, and painted ceilings with leaf patterns above the staircase, this color composition was discovered during the renovation. In the interior design, dynamic colors were used throughout the non historic area of the building, with a trio of basic color combinations of red, green and blue and their pastel versions featuring the whole building, sometimes together and sometimes separately. The rooms are bright, cheerful and compact, the quality of the color and the use of materials make them more interesting. The airy appearance and mixed function of the lobby is also quite fascinating, it is now both a bar and a breakfast area. The reduced and curved pieces of furniture are accompanied by objects that are deliberately eye-catching, such as long neck floor lamps and flower pots that enhance the visual experience.
Photos by Tamás Pál
Este’r partners designed the interior of the Hungarian showroom of Vagheggi beauty brand from Verona. A training room, a community space, a kitchen and service areas can be found in the 300 sqm showroom located in Budapest.
The concept of the showroom follows the Italian company’s branding, which was developed by WEA Group – este’r partners was responsible for the design of the additional features, graphic solutions, the execution design and project management.
The communal kitchen has stunning curved shapes. The feminine, soft atmosphere is further enhanced by the illuminated leaf pattern on the ceiling. One of the walls will feature a design wallpaper by the Italian company, Affreschi while the othern wall will have a unique mottled style wall paint by Wallpaint. The atmosphere is further softened by modern furnishings. The space is characterised by a sophisticated mix of powder colours and green.
Our client, a company with a British background, has opened Gravity Brewing, a craft distillery and tasting space in downtown Budapest. Este’r partners was responsible for the interior design of the public spaces and the spectacular tasting room in the historic corner building.
Decorative elements such as Mutina’s design brick create an exciting focal point in the retail space, the counter, made of glazed bricks and pieced together from small elements, is covered with a wooden panel. The Gravity logo is also featured on the flooring, enhancing the brand’s image.
The industrial-style loft features a unique wall covering and can be accessed by a designer staircase. A cosy tasting room can be found upstairs, it is a great place for groups or companies to enjoy a tasting. The real highlight of the interior is a David Groppi’s designer lamp.
