Budafok Remise

Budafok Tram Depot is one of the key operational and maintenance centres of Budapest’s tram network. Its redevelopment was connected to the introduction of the new CAF trams and the expansion of the capital’s low-floor vehicle fleet.

The obsolete depot was reconstructed with a completely new track network, vehicle halls, maintenance and repair areas, technological service systems and an office building. The approximately 10,000-square-metre facility can accommodate and service short and long CAF vehicles as well as Combino and Tatra T5C5 trams.

The track layout allows trams to enter and leave the site through two separate connections to the Fehérvári Road network. Vehicles can pass through the depot without reversing, simplifying and improving the efficiency of daily movements.

In addition to storage, the halls support the regular inspection, maintenance and repair of the trams. The tracks, inspection pits, overhead lines, vehicle-lifting systems, roof-level working platforms and other technological equipment had to be closely coordinated with the structural and building-services systems.

The project was the first development in Budapest for more than a century to include the construction of entirely new tram-depot halls. The building was therefore given a distinctive architectural identity in addition to its technological role.

One of its most recognisable elements is the bright-yellow aluminium roof, referring to the colour of Budapest’s trams. The large curved roof transforms the transport function into a clearly legible architectural motif and gives the industrial complex a characteristic appearance.

CÉH zRt. participated in the permitting, tender and construction design stages as the architectural and structural engineering designer. During construction, we acted as general designer for design modifications related to implementation.

Our work required changing technological and construction needs to be incorporated without compromising coordination between the hall structures, track geometry, vehicle-maintenance technology and the technical systems of the building.

Design partner: FŐMTERV Mérnöki Tervező Zrt.

Lead architect: Ákos Takács