The Katalin Kovács National Kayak-Canoe Academy is one of the most important training and competition centers for Hungarian kayak and canoe sports, and WEST HUNGÁRIA BAU Kft. played a key role in its construction. The goal of the project was to create a world-class, multifunctional sports academy that serves simultaneously as a training camp, a competition preparation center, and a sports science research facility.
Key architectural and construction data
Total floor area: ~ 11,000 m²
Functions: training hall, fitness area, ergometer training area, locker rooms, coaches’ and medical rooms, sports science laboratories, accommodations, community and educational spaces
Type of construction: general contracting
Award: Winner of the 2025 Construction Industry Quality Award
Project period: 2021–2024
WHB’s main construction tasks
WHB performed comprehensive construction and installation work in the following areas:
1. Structural Engineering
large-scale reinforced concrete support structures tailored for sports use
a column-free hall space with a 20–30-meter span
a custom steel roof structure designed to support large-scale, tensioned roof panels
creation of a vibration- and deflection-free subfloor suitable for sports use
2. Interior Specialty Construction
Installation of sports flooring (non-slip, highly wear-resistant surfaces)
Professional acoustic wall and ceiling cladding
Gyms with rubber sports flooring and reinforced subfloors
Specialized floor load design for ergometer and rowing machine areas
3. Building Services and Electrical Systems
A state-of-the-art ventilation system with heat recovery for the large-volume hall
Energy-efficient LED lighting designed to meet specific sports lighting requirements
Dedicated server and technical infrastructure for sports science equipment
Hot water supply and water purification system tailored to athletes’ needs
4. Supporting Infrastructure
Specialized boat storage facilities and water access points
Fully equipped coaching and sports diagnostics laboratories
Competitor accommodation wing for 30–40 people
Classrooms and lecture hall facilities
State-of-the-art fitness center with professional mechanical cooling
Special technical and construction solutions
1. Hall space with a unique roof structure solution
For the kayak-canoe ergometer and fitness hall, WHB designed and constructed a large-span steel structure that:
ensures uninterrupted sports activities without internal support columns,
withstands high mechanical loads,
and operates with a thermally optimized cladding system.
2. Special Requirements for Sports Flooring
The hall’s floor structure:
is shock-absorbing,
flexible,
vibration-dampened,
and constructed with a layered structure tested for multiple specific frequencies.
This was particularly important due to the vibration and weight loads generated by the kayak and canoe ergometers.
3. Design of sports science and medical facilities
The WHB designed:
special ventilation and cleanroom systems for sports diagnostics rooms,
the technical infrastructure for ECG, stress testing, and motion analysis laboratories,
high-precision temperature and humidity control systems.
4. Sustainable Energy Solutions
The project’s energy efficiency is outstanding:
a modern heat pump system
heat recovery ventilation
solar power preparation
LED-based sports lighting
water-saving shower and locker rooms
5. Athletes’ Center – Accommodation and Rehabilitation
The athletes’ wing:
accommodates 30–40 athletes
operates with a separate mechanical services zone
includes rehabilitation and recovery units (e.g., massage rooms, physical therapy)
Significance of the Project
The facility has become the central hub for:
daily training sessions
youth development
national team preparation
sports science research
providing world-class conditions.
WHB played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s high technical standards and on-time completion.
