The Nautical Club Ohrid competition set out to reimagine Ohrid’s iconic “Youth Union Summer Retreat” building, breathing new life into this landmark of modern heritage. Inspired by Boris Chipan’s program, participants were asked to transform the unused building into a Nautical Club, that would be a vibrant and inclusive space serving both the local community and seasonal visitors.

This unique challenge called for adaptive reuse designs that honored the structure’s legacy while creating a dynamic connection with Ohrid’s lakefront and surrounding community. The winning proposals came up with sensitive and restrained approaches. Rather than overshadowing the existing architecture, these designs highlighted its original character, incorporating minimal interventions that aligned seamlessly with the site’s heritage. 

‘’The jury praised the projects’ sensitivity and restraint, as well as their success in aligning new elements with the site’s heritage. Some proposals skillfully honored Chipan’s modernist architecture while introducing dynamic design elements that encouraged social interaction. Through simple yet impactful extensions, modular ordering and transparent materials, these projects fostered a harmonious relationship between past and present.’’

We are very excited to announce the winners of this unique challenge! Check out here to learn more and see the gold and honorable mentions. Toffu extends its congratulations to all participants in the Nautical Club Ohrid competition! 🌊

1st Prize

Diving into Chipan’s Bath of Modernity

Pablo Lopez, Etienne Gary

Jury Comment

“The jury appreciated the project’s intention to minimize interventions on the site and the lakefront, emphasizing a very sensitive approach that highlights the existing qualities of the place. There is only a single spatial extension, designed to harmonize with the restored main building as well as with the site itself. This decision is strong enough to generate the main strategy of the project which consists of relating the old and the new volume with one another and with the site itself. The presentation boards are visually attuned to the project, featuring appealing conceptual drawings.”

2nd Prize

OH(G)RID

Leanid Pylila, Vitalii Borisov, Bohdan Berezovskyi, Oleg Kovalyuk

Jury Comment

“Sensitivity and creativeness combine in this enticing scheme. Connecting practically and spatially through modular ordering system is smart and enhances the relationship between new and old. Consideration of the context and simple and clear graphic communication.”

3rd Prize

Ohrid Reframed

Hieu Phung, Zhaoxiong Han, Jiawei Ji, Zhijin Shen

Jury Comment

“Ohrid Reframed breathes new life into Boris Chipan’s modernist white cube, honoring its legacy while introducing contemporary design elements that promote social engagement. This project reimagines the site as a fluid, open environment, challenging the functional boundaries of traditional modernism by fostering spontaneous interaction. Instead of rigid geometries, dynamic linear forms blur indoor-outdoor boundaries, extending the architecture into the landscape and creating spaces that harmonize with Lake Ohrid’s natural surroundings. By embracing flexibility and inclusivity, the project evolves the site into a vibrant social hub, integrating community activities, public gatherings, and urban renewal.”