Project Overview
The new Museum of Ethnography, located at the edge of Budapest’s City Park (Városliget), was one of the most prominent and prestigious elements of the Liget Budapest Project. The development was carried out by Magyar Építő Zrt. and ZÁÉV Zrt. as general contractors, with the goal of housing Hungary’s and the world’s ethnographic treasures in a modern and dignified setting—a museum that excels not only in functionality but also in architectural significance.
The building’s sweeping, curved design forms a symbolic gateway to the 1956 Memorial and the surrounding square. The nearly 7,000 square meter rooftop garden offers a unique panoramic view of the city from its highest point.
The Lajta | Szig team contributed to the project from May 2020 to September 2022. Our task was to implement the building’s complete waterproofing and thermal insulation system—with particular emphasis on the roof structure, which presented exceptional challenges not only from an engineering standpoint but also in terms of its distinctive architectural form.
Why Was Lajta | Szig Chosen?
The construction of the Museum of Ethnography involved the collaboration of numerous subcontractors across various specialized fields. Lajta | Szig was invited to participate specifically in the waterproofing and thermal insulation work—based on the general contractor’s prior positive experience with our team and the trust that relationship fostered.
Several key factors contributed to our selection for this prestigious assignment:
- We submitted a competitive and thoroughly documented proposal that offered the best value for money, delivering identical technical content at the most favorable price-performance ratio.
- The client had encountered issues with underground waterproofing in previous projects executed by other contractors, which made it a priority to select a partner with proven experience in complex and specialized layer structures and technologies.
It was evident from the outset that this project demanded more than just technical expertise. Reliability, consistent on-site presence, and the ability to provide meaningful solutions at every stage of the project were equally essential.
Challenges and Unique Features
The museum’s iconic, curved roof structure—with a slope of 29%—required custom-tailored technical solutions. Due to the inverted layering system and the steep incline, special attention had to be paid to layer stability, anti-slip protection, and efficient rainwater management.
During the construction phase, we revised the original design of the water deflector barriers: in the end, we installed custom-built water diversion elements with a steel frame, inspired by the roof structure of a waste incineration plant in Sweden. This kind of engineering flexibility and practical creativity enabled us to ensure perfect waterproofing even on such a geometrically complex surface.
„It’s an uplifting and truly exceptional experience to work on a project like this—where all the conditions are in place to deliver quality work. Expectations are naturally high, as this will be a one-of-a-kind building on a global scale.” – Zoltán Babos, Managing Director, Lajta | Szig
Technologies and Materials Used
Throughout the project, we applied a variety of insulation technologies tailored to the diverse needs of the building’s different functional areas and complex architectural forms:
- Inverted bituminous roof insulation
- PVC and non-bituminous containment systems
- PUR-based joint coating insulation
- Custom tank insulation solutions
We employed multiple insulation technologies throughout the project, tailored to the building’s various functional zones and unique architectural design. An inverted bituminous roofing system was installed on the roof structure, while other areas required PVC-based containment insulation and custom tank waterproofing solutions.
One of the key aspects of the construction process was the adaptation of the original plans to onsite conditions, which required the installation of custom-made, steel-framed Purenit water deflectors. This adjustment was not only crucial for achieving watertightness, but also essential for ensuring long-term safety and sustainability.
Approximately 8,000 m² of XPS thermal insulation panels were laid across the roof. To complete the build-up, several hundred tons of andesite gravel were used for ballast and surface protection. The applied systems are not only durable, but also designed for long-term maintainability and environmental resilience.
Professional Collaboration and Development
During the construction phase, we organized an application technology training in collaboration with our partner, SIKA Hungária Kft., to ensure our team could carry out the work in full alignment with the requirements of the specialized materials used. We believe it is essential that every member of our team works with hands-on, up-to-date expertise—especially on projects of this scale and complexity.
The green roof installation was carried out in cooperation with Renomé Kertészet and ArchiGreen Zöldtető Kft. The final result is not only functional but also visually striking from an architectural and landscape perspective.
Outcome and Recognition
The museum opened its doors in 2022 and quickly garnered international attention. It was honored with the "Best Public Building in the World" award, and in 2023, its roof structure received further acclaim, winning the "Roof of the Year" award in the green roof category. The award was accepted by Zoltán Babos, founder of Lajta | Szig, proudly representing the work of the entire team.
For us, this project was far more than just an engineering challenge—it was a true professional milestone. Its complexity, the need for constant adaptation, and the collaborative problem-solving with all partners led to an achievement we can genuinely be proud of.
