Eresztvény - Relaxing Forest Retreat and Community Hub.
ERESZTVÉNY FOREST RETREAT
LOCATION: Salgotarjan, Hungary
YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION: Under construction
AREA OF THE SITE: 9000 m2
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Public recreational green and urban open spaces
The proposed eco-retreat is located in Northern Salgótarján, adjacent to the Geoprk visitor centre and across the road from Bird Park. The site is owned by the municipality, and the need to develop the currently unused buildings into a community hub was raised as the number of local visitors and tourist has significantly increased in the past decade. The area become popular with hikers and families as the starting point of several mountain and forest tracks is located within walking distance to the site.
Masterpan of the development, 2019
An Eco-Retreat in the forest.
The community hub and forest retreat was designed to be able to host community gatherings and smaller events, such as weddings or conferences, with the option to stay on site overnight in one of the 10 proposed log cabins. The project includes the construction of an early childhood centre and a natural playground, with direct connection to public transport and a number of easy hiking tracks, making it attractive for families. The design includes several areas for community gatherings, such as a sauna house with an outdoor heated swimming pool, outdoor shower and sunbathing deck. A fireplace and BBQ area compliment the dining barn, which provides a unique under-the-stars dining experience for smaller wedding parties. The central lawn in front of the community building provides space for active recreation, with the backdrop of the forested castle hill.
The landscape design highlights the natural heritage of the Northern Mountain Range, featuring a natural alder marsh and the mosaic of forests and meadows with century old old walnut trees and oaks already present around the central lawn. The southern, low lying edge of the site can be explored along a proposed trail, with boardwalks and decked platforms to observe the different species of waterfowl and forest wildlife. A wide variety of native and ornamental plants are proposed to enhance biodiversity and overall aesthetics of the venue, including a large number of native trees and extensive planting beds to provide shelter and food source for wildlife.
