The gathered guests were welcomed by the host of the facility, Prof. Artur Rusowicz, Dean of the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering.  

– This investment is crucial for our Institute and our Faculty. It has been a long journey of construction, fraught with challenges—ranging from the pandemic to war and inflation. We wouldn’t have completed this project without the Rector’s support, so I want to express my sincere gratitude to him and the entire technical and administrative team that assisted us in bringing this investment to completion – said Dean Artur Rusowicz. – Of course, this project wouldn’t have been possible without the execution aspect—Budimex. We also extend our gratitude for the years of collaboration, for your understanding, and for accommodating our requests to minimize noise during exam periods for our students. Thank you for your flexible approach to this unique facility, which consistently fulfills educational and research purposes.

The modernization of the facility commenced in 2014, with the project focused on expanding and upgrading the building's infrastructure, as well as renovating the Institute of Heat Engineering building. Since the building is listed as a historical monument, all work was conducted under the supervision of a conservation officer.

The opening ceremony of the Institute of Heat Engineering building at WUT

Prof. Krzysztof Zaremba, Rector of WUT, expressed gratitude for the exemplary collaboration during the project's implementation.

– I hope this won't be our last joint project; perhaps our collaboration could extend beyond investments and construction—we have plenty of ideas for that – said Prof. Zaremba.

Artur Popko, General Director of Budimex

Artur Popko, General Director of Budimex, and the general contractor for the project, also spoke at the event.

– This project served as an exemplary model for managing investments, where I engaged in difficult discussions with the Rector and the Chancellor about how to effectively conduct the project, ensure the supply of materials, and accelerate the work. I want to express my immense gratitude for this, as I believe we are only here today because of those discussions, allowing us to officially present this magnificent building. I truly appreciate it, knowing how much effort and dedication it required – said Artur Popko.

The ribbon cutting ceremony

After the symbolic ribbon-cutting, Prof. Wojciech Bujalski from the Institute of Heat Engineering invited the attendees to a brief presentation about the project, followed by a tour of the renovated Hall D.

Presentation of the project - modernization of the Institute of Heat Engineering building

Renovated building, new opportunities

The contractor completed a series of design tasks. As part of the renovation of the historic building, the scope of work included, among others:

• creating a multifunctional structure in the inner courtyard designed for educational and communication purposes,
• restructuring, expanding, and modernizing the laboratory and educational spaces in Halls C and D, allowing for an expanded laboratory area and the creation of two additional teaching rooms,
• adaptation of the facilities for persons with disabilities through comprehensive modernization and restructuring of horizontal and vertical circulation pathways,
• adaptation of the facilities in accordance with the current fire safety regulations,
• complete reconstruction of sanitary, electrical, and telecommunication installations, as well as the implementation of technical solutions that enable energy generation from renewable sources,
• complete renovation and conservation of all building facades of the institute, including building A, hall B building, and the connecting structures.

An important element of the project is the "Mini thermal educational power plant"—an educational and research energy installation that remains in the renovated and reconstructed Hall D of the Institute of Heat Engineering building. The key components of the mini thermal educational power plant are the EKM steam boiler, produced in Germany, and De Laval's impulse turbine, built in Sweden. The goal of creating the educational path was to enable visitors to explore the history of the "Mini thermal educational power plant" through a permanent exhibition of devices designated as movable heritage. This display features original components of the educational power plant that were modernized during the renovation and expansion of the Institute of Heat Engineering building.

Warsaw University of Technology allocated 102.9 million PLN for the investment, including 70.4 million PLN from a grant provided by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.