Built between 1910 and 1913 the Óbudai Gázgyári Lakótelep stands before you. This remarkable residential complex wasn’t just a collection of houses. It was a carefully planned community. It served the workers of the nearby Óbudai Gasworks.
The Gasworks a massive industrial enterprise wanted to ensure its employees had decent housing. They used leftover funds from the plant’s construction. This smart financial move resulted in the creation of two distinct settlements. One for the workers and one for the managers and technical staff.
The workers’ settlement designed by the architect Almái Balogh Loránd had a strong sense of community. Three housing groups housed a total of 101 apartments. Some with three rooms others with just one. There were even shared bathrooms. Each house had running water a toilet and gas lighting. Later even electricity was added. Small gardens were behind the houses. Workers were even allowed to keep small animals. During wartime this included pigs and chickens.
In contrast the managers’ and technical staff settlement designed by Reichl Kálmán was more exclusive. Nine or possibly thirteen villas housed a total of seventeen apartments. Each villa had its own garden and advanced amenities. They included private bathrooms and toilets. The interiors featured parquet floors and tiled kitchens. There was even a dedicated greenhouse for each villa. The villa numbered VII was reserved exclusively for the Gasworks’ director.
After the Second World War both settlements were altered. More apartments were created within the existing structures. Access to the area was restricted until the early 2000s. The area is now open to visitors.
The Gázgyári Lakótelep survived the closure of the Óbudai Gasworks in 1984. Since 2004 it has been under the management of the Budapest Municipality. Although many of the original workers’ families no longer live here. The legacy of the Óbudai Gázgyári Lakótelep as a model of thoughtful community planning remains strong. A testament to a bygone era it stands as a unique example of industrial housing within the city of Budapest. Its story is one of provision and foresight. It also tells the tale of a company’s commitment to its workers. It remains a fascinating piece of Budapest’s history.