One of the region’s leading construction companies, Nyíregyháza-based „KE-VÍZ 21” zRt. carried out the complete reconstruction of the historically significant main building of the Sárospatak-based Tokaj-Hegyalja University in Sárospatak. Last year, Magyar Építők also reported.
The renovation of the university buildings continued with the general contracting work for the refurbishment and interior conversion of the viticulture and oenology teaching building (formerly the library building), as well as the renovation of the gymnasium’s façade and roof. The work was also carried out by the multi-generational family business, „KE-VÍZ 21” zRt..
Of the parts of the building affected by the works, the gymnasium was built in 1919 and the library in the 1990s, adjoining the main building, which was constructed in 1909 and is listed as a protected building.
By preserving the building’s historic, Lechner-style architectural heritage and retaining its external form, the project involved the energy-efficient conversion and refurbishment of an educational building designed to meet the needs of both the present and the future. The project involved replacing the external doors and windows, insulating the attic floor, installing a heat pump, fitting state-of-the-art mechanical systems, and installing a ventilation system.
Major renovation work on the building
The main works carried out included the replacement of the roof battens and roofing, as well as the painting of the façade.
The interior works included the demolition of masonry, the replacement of external and internal doors and windows, the installation of suspended ceilings, and the fitting of a lift in the existing lift shaft; the walls and floors were finished with stoneware tiles and PVC flooring. In addition, damp-proofing, grouting, and insulation of the roof and floor slabs were carried out.
As part of the modernisation of the heating system, an air-to-water heat pump was installed, supplemented by fan coil units and panel radiators. In addition, a cooling and ventilation system was installed, comprising three roof-mounted ventilation units with variable-speed drives.
The utility-related works included water supply and drainage works, connection to existing fire-fighting water and drinking water supply points, and the modernisation of the entire electricity supply network. As part of this, lighting fixtures were installed, and lightning protection, a low-voltage system, and alarm, fire alarm and CCTV surveillance systems were also put in place.
The internal water and sewerage system has been fully modernised, including the replacement of sewage and drinking water pipes, as well as the installation of new fittings and sanitary ware. Structural work involved cutting out sections of floor slabs, reinforcing floor slabs and creating wall openings.
State-of-the-art teaching spaces across three floors
László Varga, project manager at the structural engineering office of „KE-VÍZ 21” Zrt. , answered our questions regarding the construction process and its current status . He explained that the works have reached the completion stage; the technical handover procedure was successfully concluded on 7 May 2026, meaning the building is now ready to receive the laboratory equipment to be installed at a later date.
The net floor area of the premises affected by the renovation is 1,640.45 m², and the façade area is 1,740 m². The building comprises a ground floor, a first floor and a converted attic.
The building comprises a total of 64 rooms, each serving different purposes in support of viticulture and winemaking training.
On the ground floor, the laboratory and operational rooms required for teaching have been accommodated, including a seminar room, a sensory laboratory and its preparation room, as well as men’s and women’s toilets, changing rooms, showers and an accessible toilet. The remaining gym is also located here, along with the mechanical and electrical plant rooms necessary for the building’s operation.
On the upper floor, there are also corridors and washrooms, separated by gender and designed to be accessible. This floor is where the teaching facilities are primarily concentrated: the biology and microbiology laboratory and sample preparation area, as well as the chemistry and instrumental analysis facilities, which can be separated by a movable wall and also function as a single, open-plan teaching space.
The attic houses one of the building’s most significant spaces: the multifunctional hall. The preserved, refurbished exposed glued-laminated timber beams, the roof-level windows and the skylights, which are nearly ten metres long, create a unique spatial experience. The sports flooring, which complements the classic wooden beams, also makes it possible to host institutional events. The floor also houses offices, a kitchenette and a plant room.
The floors of the building are connected vertically by a monolithic reinforced concrete staircase and a passenger lift installed in the existing shaft.
Modern solutions have been integrated into the traditional structure
„During the implementation of the project, effectively integrating the older building structures with modern technological solutions presented a significant challenge. We are proud to say that we successfully completed the technical tasks that arose with the necessary expertise and attention to detail. All parties involved, both on the client and contractor sides, carried out their work with proactive cooperation and dedication towards the common goal of ensuring the building serves as a worthy training venue for future wine-making professionals.”
– the expert concluded.
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