TILIA office building in Szeged wins Office Building of the Year award

News

Mar 25

The TILIA office building in Szeged has been named Office Building of the Year at Hungary’s Office of the Year competition, becoming the first project outside Budapest to receive the top prize, developers announced in a press release.

The award, one of the country’s most prominent recognitions in the real estate sector, highlights projects that shape the office market and contribute to workplace culture. The jury cited TILIA’s preservation of historic architectural elements alongside its sustainable operation and people-centered design.

Developed by KÉSZ Group, the project transformed a former civic girls’ school built in 1873 in Art Nouveau style into a modern office complex. The locally protected façade on Gutenberg Street has been preserved, while a contemporary extension opens toward Hajnóczy Street.

Inside, the building offers modern office spaces designed with employee comfort in mind, including natural light-filled interiors, smart building management systems, and touchless technologies. The development also includes bicycle-friendly facilities and 30 electric vehicle charging stations.

“The success of TILIA is particularly important to us, as it is the first office building in Szeged — and indeed the first outside the capital — to receive this prestigious professional award,” said Edina Lupsa, head of real estate management at KÉSZ Group. She added that employee well-being, accessibility and sustainability were key priorities during the design process.

Sustainability features include geothermal systems, heat pumps, solar panels and other renewable energy solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact. The developers targeted high-level certifications, including WELL Platinum, BREEAM Excellent and Access4you Gold.

The building’s inner courtyard functions as a public passage between Gutenberg and Hajnóczy streets during the day, creating a new community space in the city center.

Lufthansa Systems Hungária has signed on as the first tenant, reflecting the building’s compliance with international environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

KÉSZ Group, one of Hungary’s major construction and development companies, said the project reflects a growing demand for sustainable and flexible office spaces beyond the capital.