Mimama, Budapest

The Mimama restaurant in the industrial center of Budapest acts as an oasis of calm. Many breaks in the roof and facade planes evoke the connection of modern with traditional. The assimilation with the surroundings is exemplary. The building, with its unique shapes, seems to calm and extend a welcoming hand to both the past and the future of the adjacent architecture.


In the center of industrial activity, near production lines and car dealerships, the modern and tastefully furnished restaurant with a pure white aluminum facade appears as an island of hope. The outdoor terrace, bordered by a pond, invites guests to relax. Culinary specialties from juicy Mangalica pork provide a first-class gourmet experience. Mimama possesses all the attributes of a modern and top-tier restaurant.

From Canvas to Scaffolding

photo: Croce & WIR

The architect and simultaneously the execution plumber of the Mimama project is Zoltán Reznicsek Jr. As he says, he is a plumber in the morning until the afternoon and an architect from evening to night. He is obsessed with both designing and the actual realization. Together with his father, Zoltán Reznicsek Sr., he runs the plumbing company Horex. Over its 27-year existence, it has built a strong reputation in the world of plumbing art. It specializes in ornamental plumbing and carries out projects throughout Europe. Among the most prominent projects are the restoration of the Vienna City Hall, the comedy theater Vígszínház, Café New York in Budapest, and numerous castles and churches. Horex's work for the Music Academy was recently awarded by the International Federation of Roofers IFD for restoration.

Proven Materials

The facility reflects many different directions. "Every building should adapt and be integrated into its surrounding environment. At the same time, you must respect the investor's wishes. Uniqueness, individuality, sometimes extravagance. Each investor usually has various requirements. Mr. Baumgartner, the builder of the Mimama project, insisted on a combination of uniqueness and tradition. The interesting appearance of the building is linked to classic elements of Hungarian culture, such as flowers and tulips," specifies Reznicsek.

photo: Croce & WIR

When the phase of brainstorming and drawings was completed, a much more complicated phase began. The materialization of plans into reality. The view of the structural engineer and the decision that a 24-meter cantilever was impossible did not deter Reznicsek. On the contrary, it confirmed his resolve to stand by his decision. And the result? An unconventional facade that is perforated in a planar manner, covered with elements of PREFA Siding in white.

"Aluminum, with its excellent malleability, was the perfect choice for the Mimama facility," says the architect, who has extensive experience with PREFA products. "PREFA offers a wide portfolio of roof and facade systems. Design variations are almost limitless. A range of shapes, colors, finishes, and everything can be combined. I don't know of a more colorful system, especially one with such a high level of quality," states Reznicsek. "I must not overlook one very important property for us plumbers—the easy and quick installation. This was very important for Mimama, as we were laying the Siding panels both horizontally and vertically, at various angles. This resulted in a series of non-standard details that we had to solve operatively and primarily within the given schedule. If we had used another material, we would certainly have struggled and would not have met the deadline," adds Reznicsek confidently. The aluminum facade is interesting precisely because of its unconventional details. The numerous geometric breaks, combinations of directions and shapes continually attract the attention of passersby.

About the Project

Project name: Mimama
Object, location: restaurant, Budapest, Hungary
Type of construction: new building
Architects: Arch. Zoltán Reznicsek
Realization: Horex Kft.
Facade type: PREFA Siding
Facade color: P.10 prefa white
PHOTOGRAPHY: Croce & WIR