Curved Glass Structures | Dome of the Honvéd High Command
The second largest and most decorative dome of the Buda Castle, the reconstructed roof ornament of the Honvéd High Command, is an outstanding creation not only from an architectural but also from an engineering perspective. Standing 15 meters tall and 9 meters wide, the dome is composed of curved glass surfaces. Rákosy Glass played a key role in the full-scope design, production, and installation of the glass structures.
The margin for construction inaccuracies had to be virtually reduced to zero – especially critical in the case of the curved steel segments and the curved glass panels attached to them.
Glass Structures – Custom Shapes, Precision Fitting
The glass elements of the dome were typically rhomboid or of complex, irregular geometries.
The finished curved glass units are triple-layered insulating glass, requiring the following technological steps:
- Cutting to size, edge grinding
- Custom-radius bending in a tempering furnace
- Lamination with safety film
- Integration of a special aluminum profile into the glass edge (for mechanical fastening)
- Structural mounting onto an aluminum laying profile
- Insulating glazing filled with krypton gas (not argon)
Particular care was taken to ensure the complete continuity of edge seals and the long-term performance of the structure. Thanks to the special krypton gas filling technology, the glazing boasts excellent thermal performance, which is of paramount importance in such a prominent and representative location.
Material Use and Technological Solutions
The profile system was originally planned in steel, but due to the need for precise bending of the curves, they switched to aluminum. This made it possible to achieve arches that are both technically and aesthetically perfect. The fastening solution is hidden, and the sealant between the glass panels is UV-resistant silicone. Every detail of the execution was characterized by the highest standards of quality and precision.
Dome of the Honvéd High Command / Budapest, Buda Castle District
Construction: MPH Zrt.
Client: Fejér-B.Á.L. Zrt.
General Contractor: Fejér-B.Á.L. Zrt.
