DOTY 2022 BTRA Profile – Ron Lim

Dive a little deeper into the sensational designs that were honoured with DOTY 2022’s prestigious Building Transformation Recognition Award, courtesy of the ingenious minds responsible for their captivating beauty and renewed sense of purpose.

The Building Transformation Recognition Award (BTRA) recognises the dedicated initiatives taken in building restoration and transformation of an existing building as an effort towards sustainability, respecting the unique challenges tackled in doing so. It encourages the restoration of old buildings, preservation of heritage as well as the creative use of space and function. Receiving this invaluable accolade under the Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards 2022, an illustrious event organised by ACG Media, are six of the following designers and architects who have made their mark across the Malaysian landscape with their uniquely spectacular designs which pay homage to the past, and at the same time, move boldly towards the future.

Ron Lim

Managing Director

Videc Design Studio | www.videcdesignstudio.com

Project: Nikko & Yoryo

The challenging opportunity to convert an abandoned but culturally rich heritage building into a distinctively contemporary bar and cafe, in a way that honoured its history while simultaneously bringing it to the present with innovative design concepts and space planning solutions, automatically captured the interest of Ron Lim. In simpler words, the idea to balance a juxtaposition of eras was planted and ready for action. From exposed brick walls to wooden beams, certain original elements were retained to not only convey a sense of authenticity but offer a touch of rustic charm and timeless appeal.

Modern furniture and fixtures were employed in contrast, a move made most evident at the bar area that’s highlighted as a visually striking focal point. In order to further enhance the obvious power of lighting demonstrated all throughout the building as part of the enchantingly immersive spatial experience curated, Videc Design Studio employed reflective materials, complementary wall colours and the art of concealment.

“Designing for a heritage building is like restoring a masterpiece. Every element tells a story, and our role is to craft a new chapter that honours the past while embracing the future. The challenge lies in finding harmony between history and innovation, and the beauty of it all emerges when we succeed,” says Ron. If we’re talking specifics though, the biggest challenge that cropped up
during the Nikko & Yoryo project was dealing with the wood deck on the first floor which had lost its structural integrity. After extensive research and discussions with engineers, they opted for a curved steel structure solution which not only resolved the issue at hand but became a key, distinctive element in the overall design.