KONE’s latest installation project in Budakeszi, Hungary, marks a significant milestone: the first KONE elevator in the country built within a wooden shaft. This achievement reflects the growing potential of sustainable materials in modern architecture and highlights KONE’s commitment to advancing environmentally conscious solutions and practices.
“Everything began as a straightforward project,” said Kornél Szekeres, New Building Solutions Offering Manager at KONE Eastern Europe & Mediterranean. “We initially received a request for a small 2-stop elevator—the KONE MonoSpace® 300—for a city hospital. However, once my team learned that the shaft would be made of wood, the project became much more intriguing. Fortunately, we were aware that KONE had implemented similar solutions in other European countries, which gave us the confidence to take on the challenge.”
Wooden Shaft: What Was the Biggest Challenge of the Project?
The hospital building was designed as a fully wood-structured facility, an increasingly popular choice in sustainable architecture. But installing an elevator in a wooden shaft—especially in a public building—introduced unique technical and regulatory hurdles.
One of the main challenges was ensuring that the shaft complied with EN 81-73, a European safety standard requiring fireproofing for elevators in public spaces. As this was the first KONE project of its kind in Hungary, finding a safe, approved method took time and collaboration.
The solution was to treat the wood with a special fire-retardant coating, enabling the shaft to meet all fire safety regulations while preserving the ecological benefits of wood construction.
“The installation process went smoothly,” said Gábor Princzes, installation supervisor at KONE Hungary. “Thanks to the specialized training and guidance provided by our global operations team, and the support of the local CSE team, my team was fully prepared, and we completed the installation without any issues.”
KONE's Expertise in Medical Facilities:
KONE's extensive experience in providing tailored solutions for medical buildings played a crucial role in this project. The hospital facility required an elevator that complied with European Union standards, particularly the EN 81-70 standard, ensuring full accessibility for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Leveraging their deep expertise in delivering bed and passenger elevators for numerous hospitals across Hungary, the KONE team meticulously crafted an elevator solution that prioritizes both functionality and user experience. The elevator cabin, with a spacious 1000 kg capacity and a wide 900 mm door opening, was specifically designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs, ensuring smooth and safe access for all.
Sustainability in Action
By successfully completing the first wooden shaft elevator installation in Hungary, KONE has once again demonstrated its ability to combine innovation with environmental responsibility. The project stands as a milestone not only for KONE Hungary but for sustainable construction practices across the Europe.
This installation proves that eco-conscious materials like wood can be safely and effectively integrated into advanced technical solutions, paving the way for broader use in public infrastructure.
KONE remains committed to helping customers meet high standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability—no matter how unique the challenge.
BUILDING FACTS
- Project Name: Budakeszi Health Center
- Location: Budakeszi, Hungary
- Floors: 2
- Size: 1000 kg
- Solution: 1 x KONE MonoSpace 300 DX
- Building owner: City of Budakeszi
- General contractor: GZ-BUILDER KFT.
