Monument of Builders

The Monument of Builders is all in one – it’s the sanctuary of building, the centre point of Hello Wood’s returning international festival, a community space, a party temple and the spiritual middle of the venue’s crater. The installation resembles a campfire representing the heart of the revived mountain – a symbol of community, of gathering, a place nourished by the presence of visitors. As the post-apocalyptic mine of Zalahaláp comes to life again, the flaming pyramids of Hello Wood transform the desolate landscape into a cult pilgrimage site where weary hikers can stop and rest.

Returning Builder Festival

After a three-year break, our summer school & builder festival returned to welcome students, architects, and young professionals from all across the world to join the 10-day builder camp to test their wooden construction abilities, learn to collaborate, and participate actively in on-site design and construction. For the first time in Hello Wood’s 13-year history, this year’s workshop took place at a new location, in the crater of an abandoned basalt quarry on Haláp Mountain in Hungary. Monument of Builders was built to serve as the community’s meeting venue and central installation piece.

European Capital of Culture

The festival also aligned with and supports Veszprém’s title of 2023 European Capital of Culture, which also included over a hundred other villages and towns across the Bakony-Balaton region. The event took place between July 6 and 15, ending in a two-day music festival open to all. Hello Wood is a returning visitor to the area, having held several workshops in the towns of Balaton-Upland region.

Music Festival

Standing as the central community place, the Monument of Builders also served as the main stage for the music festival – elevating the basalt mine’s stellar venue by bringing spectacular vibe and emotions. Function met design – festival visitors loved the building and reposted hundreds of photos on social media, sharing this unique place with their friends. During the event, 1000 people enjoyed the parties daily.

Festival Afterlife

Hello Wood designed & built the Monument of Builders for the local goverment, Zalahaláp, Hungary. The goal of the project & event to join the municipality’s recultivation program. The abandoned basalt mine has been used as an event place for concerts – the long-term aim with the infrastructure developments to put the amazing basalt mine of Zalahaláp on the map – both for domestic and foreign visitors. Our studio is open to adapt the concept to other exciting venues as well, to create exciting and extraordinary venues for others as well.