Renovation in Ohrid

Nautical Club for JQYY

This project revitalizes Boris Chipan's iconic Youth Union Summer Retreat, transforming the mid-century modernist building into a vibrant Nautical Club. The design blends old and new, preserving key historical elements while introducing modern features like glass block walls. Two new cubic volumes are added, unified by a canopy that creates intimate, light-filled spaces. The design respects the heritage structure, fostering a seamless dialogue between past and present, and enhancing the visitor experience with a thoughtful balance of light, space, and history.

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Renovation in Ohrid by JQYY

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Nautical Club by JQYY

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JQYY Renovation in Ohrid

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JQYY Nautical Club

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Unique Properties

The design blends old and new by removing non-original elements and replacing brick walls with glass blocks, introducing a modern yet translucent aesthetic. Historical features are preserved through subtle details like distinct paving patterns. Two new cubic volumes are added, unified by a canopy that creates intimate spaces and enhances the interplay of light and shadow, symbolizing the dialogue between the site's past and present.

Tags

Renovation, architectural design, modernism

Production Technology

For the production and realization of the design, steel construction was used to achieve the lightness and structural efficiency required for the new volumes. The use of steel allowed for open, flexible spaces while maintaining a delicate connection to the original building. Additionally, the curvy shapes introduced in the design bring a sense of softness, contrasting with the rigidity of the existing architecture and enhancing the overall fluidity of the project.

Design Challenge

The hardest part of this design activity is balancing respect for the historical building while introducing new elements that bring fresh life to the community. Preserving the heritage structure's integrity is crucial, but so is creating spaces that resonate with contemporary needs. It requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that the new design enhances the original architecture's legacy while fostering a vibrant connection between the site and the local community.

Project Duration

The project is a conceptual one and located in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Operation Flow

The design concept centers on harmonizing the old and new through thoughtful interventions that emphasize continuity while celebrating change. As a first step, structures that do not belong to the original design era are removed, allowing the spirit of restoration to flourish and refocus attention on the heritage architecture. Additionally, existing brick walls are replaced with glass blocks, preserving the rhythm of the original facade while introducing a modern, translucent aesthetic that softens the building's appearance and invites natural light into the interior. As an homage to the site's history, the footprint of a former single-story bar is preserved and highlighted through a distinct paving pattern, subtly marking its past presence and allowing visitors to sense the layers of time embedded in the ground. This gesture acknowledges the site's evolution while creating a dialogue between memory and modernity. The design also introduces two new cubic volumes adjacent to the original building, forming a triptych of forms that are gently united under a horizontal mesh-like canopy. This canopy aligns with the orientation of the surrounding neighborhood's grid system, symbolically extending the urban pattern to the waterfront. It drapes lightly over the three volumes, creating intimate spaces between the structures while casting a delicate interplay of light and shadow. The subtle illumination beneath this canopy emphasizes the distinction between the old and new, enhancing the visitor's experience by revealing the contrasts and connections between them.

Research

Boris Chipan, born in Ohrid in 1918, was a prominent figure in 20th-century Macedonian architecture, renowned for his work as a conservator, architect, and professor. His deep connection to his hometown of Ohrid greatly influenced his career, fueling his passion for preserving local heritage. Growing up surrounded by Ohrid's historical beauty, Chipan dedicated much of his career to the conservatory practice, focusing on preserving the region's architectural treasures. His love for his city is reflected in his lifelong commitment to protecting its cultural legacy. One of Boris Chipan's most cherished legacies is undoubtedly the "Youth Union Summer Retreat" building, located on the waterfront of the Daljan neighborhood. Built in 1955, it was one of his earliest modern designs and the first tourism facility in the region, operating until its closure in 2000. This little Savoye-like cube showcases an extremely pure modernist expression, characterized by its plasticity and choice of materials, with subtle local influences. Once known as a summer vacation haven for kids, the building now stands as an abandoned ruin. Nestled along the lake shore and partly enclosed by trees and bushes, the site offers breathtaking views: to the south towards the lake and to the east towards the hill. In the serene landscapes of North Macedonia, overlooking the historic city of Ohrid and its ancient lake, a new vision takes shape—one that bridges time and form. Our project aims to breathe new life into a modernist structure reminiscent of Boris Chipan. The original building, with its clean lines and cubic form, serves as a tribute to the region's mid-century architecture, yet stands ready to be transformed into a vibrant Nautical Club.

Inspiration

Boris Chipan's most iconic legacy is the Youth Union Summer Retreat building, located on the waterfront in the Daljan neighborhood, Ohrid. Completed in 1955, it was his first modern design and the region's initial tourism facility, operating until its closure in 2000. This minimalist cube, resembling the Savoye style, exemplifies modernist architecture with its material choices and subtle local influences. The project revitalizes the building and transforms it into a vibrant Nautical Club.

Image Credits

Image #No 1-5: Creator: Jing Chen, Qizhen Tang, Yanci Chen, Yinzhu Yao, Renovation: Nautical Club Ohrid, 2024.

Project Overview

Renovation in Ohrid Nautical Club has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

JQYY was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Renovation in Ohrid Nautical Club.

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