Results of: Nautical Club Ohrid

TerraViva has officially released the complete list of awarded projects of the architecture contest entitled “Nautical Club Ohrid”.
With a vision to breathe new life into the unused “Youth Union Summer Retreat” building in Ohrid, the competition invited participants to propose adaptive-reuse designs that could revive this iconic piece of modern heritage. Inspired by Boris Chipan’s original program, the contest sought innovative ideas to transform the building into a vibrant Nautical & Social Club that could serve both the local community and seasonal tourists. Designers were encouraged to consider not only the preservation of the structure but also the creation of an inclusive, multifaceted space, fostering a connection between the site, the community and the natural lakefront.
The awarded proposals were celebrated for their thoughtful and minimal interventions, which highlighted the existing qualities of the building and the landscape. 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. By integrating flexible, inclusive spaces, the winning designs transformed the retreat into a vibrant social hub, ensuring that the legacy of Ohrid’s architectural heritage endures in harmony with its natural surroundings.
The competition was open to students, architects, designers, urbanists, engineers, makers, artists and anyone interested in the fields of architecture and design.
The winners were selected by an international jury panel composed by:
• Ana Ivanovska Deskova | Ss. Cyril & Methodius University [Skopje, North Macedonia]
• Mario Gentile | Shiftspace [Philadelphia, United States]
• Preeti Singh | Brand Growth Advisor [Mumbai, India]
• Simon Kilbane | The University of Western Australia [Perth, Australia]
• Jovan Ivanovski | Ss. Cyril & Methodius University [Skopje, North Macedonia]
• Yuqing Zhang | Reed Hilderbrand [Cambridge, United States]
• Nicolò Calandrini | Denara [Ravenna, Italy]
• Eleni Stefania Kalapoda | Embedded Climates [New York, United States]
“With a very simple architectural gesture, the project maintains coherence with the history and materiality of the place. Effectiveness with great sensibility!”
Nicolò Calandrini – Denara
“Really appreciate the minimalism, constraint and simple addition to complement the existing building with its modern voice. Subtle adjustments really sing with this submission including material choice and program alignment.”
Mario Gentile – Shiftspace
First Prize | 65658
“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.”
Jovan Ivanovski – Ss. Cyril & Methodius University
Second Prize | 70168
“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.”
Simon Kilbane – The University of Western Australia
Third Prize | 67228
“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.”
Yuqing Zhang – Reed Hilderbrand