Zemlja

Th is a new model for sustainable reconstruction. In a society still recovering from the Bosnian War and Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996), Zemlja — meaning “earth,” “land” and “country” — strives to rebuild a sense of place and shared identity through architectural innovation. It demonstrates how rebuilding a home could provide ideas for rebuilding a community, a city, or even a country. Zemlja embodies a holistic approach to deep social, environmental and economic repair and healing, promoting the production of sustainable materials and knowledge, countering unsustainable post-war practices. The original neglected apartment — situated in a former socialist housing block — has been radically transformed by replacing non-structural walls with movable curtains that convert four dark, small rooms into one generous light space with adaptable living areas. This allows air flow, daylight and free movement around the whole apartment. Three islands of bespoke furniture anchor the living, working, sleeping, and dining areas. The apartment is made almost entirely from natural materials — earth, clay, natural fabrics and wood — which are more affordable than imported alternatives. This promotes circularity and results in a low carbon footprint. Clay plaster finishes the walls and ceilings, a first contemporary example in Bosnia-Herzegovina rooted in traditional clay construction. Rather than erasing the memory of traumatic events, the design draws inspiration from creative ways citizens adapted the city to survive under siege. During the war, Grbavica was sealed off from Sarajevo, and snipers positioned themselves within nearby towers. Removing the apartment’s walls is symbolic of dismantling those barriers, while the curtains reference the bedsheets once strung between buildings beyond the neighbourhood to block the shooters’ views. Alongside the design, Project V Architecture managed the construction process, including self-building.