the ZAM! is a bubble-shaped event space in hungary designed by A4 studio

overlooking hungary‘s lake balaton – central europe’s largest lake – is a multifunctional event space realized by A4 studio. the new 3,229 ft2 (300 m2) building is situated in the small village of zamárdi and is designed to provide functional space for the local community all year round. 

images by tamás bujnovszky

since the 1950s, the balaton area has been a field of architectural innovations and experiments in material use, form and function. the ZAM! by A4 studio continues this tradition. with its bubble-shaped mass and metal casing, the architecture refers to metal artifacts (pots, trappings, earrings) that have found near the site in a significant scythian age cemetery that dates back to the 6th century. in fact, these treasured objects will be showcased in the garden next to the mulitfunctional building. 

the bubble-shaped mass is cased in metal

the building is composed of three main parts: a bubble-shaped event space, a buffet and gift shop block, and an upper deck. in the summer season, the building serves as an exhibition hall as well as a buffet with terraces on the first floor and roof level. there is a pleasant view from the rooftop terrace of the single-story building of lake balaton, the beach, and nearby tennis courts. during the off-season (spring, autumn and winter) the facility is heated and open to the local community. it can accommodate meetings, conferences, as well as concerts and exhibitions.

interior view of the bubble-shaped mass

the indoor space can be used for conferences, exhibitions, and musical performances

the other volume houses a buffet and gift shop 

the upper level serves as a lookout over the nearby lake

site plan

roof plan

floor plan

elevation

section

project info:

project name: the ZAM!

location: zamárdi, hungary

program: multifunctional event space

architecture firm: A4 studio

lead architects: géza kendik, péter veszelik

completion year: 2020

gross built area: 3,229 ft2 (300 m2)

photography: tamás bujnovszky