Children's resort concept for MCC | Hello Wood

The development program of Hello Wood won second place in the planning competition for MCC’s resort development in Révfülöp near Lake Balaton. The purpose of the tender was to create a recreation area in accordance with the values and training ideas of the MCC, as well as the development of related facilities in an area of more than 107,000 square meters. The educational aspect of the project was significant for Hello Wood, as its history has been marked by the synthesis of architecture and education from the beginning.

It is widely known that the educational activities of the acclaimed architecture studio, Hello Wood are also extensive as it already has 20 years of experience in organizing children's and adult summer camps and workshops. Over the years, it developed its own methodology that brought a new approach to architecture and design training. Through the program, Hello Wood successfully realized more than 130 creative camps and other educational events. Among these held close to 100 design workshops for children in Hungary and abroad, so 500 young Hungarians across the border could participate in Hello Wood's program that encourages active creative work.

"It's no secret that we really wanted to win the competition as educational projects have always been part of Hello Wood's DNA. The MCC’s tender gave us an excellent opportunity to combine our expertise in architecture and education," says András Huszár, the company's CEO.

Hello Wood's guiding principle during the planning process was to create a stimulating environment for young people where activities focused on different objectives can take place. It was also essential that youngsters coming from different parts of the Carpathian Basin would feel connected, at home, and safe in the created environment, but also to offer space for new experiences.

Upon arrival, entering the gate, the familiar center of the resort is revealed. It is marked out by the arch of the existing and new buildings, as well as the porch connecting them, together forming the silhouette of an imagined village. The indoor-outdoor porch defines the inner area of the campsite and together with the main square provides a place for classes, lectures, and free time activities.

The basis of the architectural concept was to use environmentally friendly and traditional materials that are typical of the region in a contemporary way - such as wood, red stone, and corrugated iron. For load-bearing, CLT panels were used that can be built quickly, provide excellent heat and sound insulation, and results in minimal construction waste. Walls were completed with ecological wood fiber-based thermal insulation in order to let the buildings "breathe freely". The plan included highly efficient energetic and functional solutions - such as solar chimneys, solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and root zone wastewater treatment - with sustainability in mind. It is important to note that the greatest value of the area is its forest, and it was no question that it needed to be preserved. The view of the Balaton is hidden by the trees on the site, but the designers choose to solve the problem not by thinning them, but by adding a new roof to the existing building and building a tower. This is how the "Könyvtár" (Library) and "Magasles" (Lookout) were created, from where campers can enjoy the exciting Balaton panorama.

All aspects of the plan created by Hello Wood aimed to make this community space surrounded by nature and shaped by architecture the perfect meeting and creative place for talented Hungarian youth, a stage for inspiration and learning.