FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Revitalizing Ohrid's Modernist Legacy: The Nautical Club Transformation by JQYY

JQYY, a forward-thinking architectural studio based in Bethesda, USA, has received the Iron A' Design Award 2025 for their renovation of the historic Youth Union Summer Retreat in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Originally designed by Boris Chipan in 1955, this waterfront building was the region's first tourism facility and a hallmark of modernist architecture. After decades of disuse, JQYY's project breathes new life into the structure, transforming it into a dynamic Nautical Club that honors its storied past while introducing innovative design elements.

The renovation carefully balances preservation and innovation. Non-original additions were removed to restore the purity of Chipan's vision, while brick walls were replaced with translucent glass blocks, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a contemporary aesthetic. Two new cubic volumes were added, unified by a sweeping 3,000-square-meter canopy that not only shelters the club but also creates intimate, light-filled spaces. Distinct paving patterns mark the footprint of a former bar, subtly acknowledging the site's layered history and inviting visitors to reflect on its evolution.

Utilizing steel construction for the new volumes, the design achieves both structural efficiency and visual lightness. Curved forms introduce softness and contrast with the original building's geometric rigor, enhancing the interplay between old and new. The canopy's mesh-like structure aligns with the local urban grid, symbolically connecting the Nautical Club to its surrounding neighborhood and the lakefront. Through these thoughtful interventions, JQYY's project fosters a seamless dialogue between past and present, offering a renewed destination for community engagement and cultural appreciation.

The project stands as a testament to JQYY's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and respect for cultural heritage. By revitalizing a modernist icon and adapting it for contemporary use, the Nautical Club in Ohrid exemplifies how architecture can bridge generations and inspire new connections within historic contexts.

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