Curved Glass Structures | Dome of the Honvéd High Command
The second-largest and most ornate dome of Buda Castle — the reconstructed rooftop crown of the Hungarian Defence Forces Headquarters — stands out as an exceptional architectural and engineering achievement. During the construction of the 15-meter-high and 9-meter-wide dome, composed of curved glass surfaces, Rákosy Glass played a key role in the complete design and production 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 designed to be made of steel, but due to the required curvature, it was replaced with aluminum. This allowed for the creation of curves that are both aesthetically and technically flawless. The fastening solution is concealed, and the joints between the glass panels are sealed with UV-resistant silicone. Every detail of the construction was characterized by the highest level 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.
