Rebuilding Post-War Sarajevo: The Sustainable and Adaptive Zemlja Apartment by Project V Architecture.

Project V Architecture‘s Zemlja is a pioneering retrofit apartment in the Grbavica neighbourhood of Sarajevo. The location, heavily impacted by the Bosnian War and the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1995), serves as a poignant setting for a project that embodies sustainable reconstruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The apartment’s name, Zemlja, translates to ‘earth,’ ‘land,’ and ‘country,’ reflecting its holistic approach to social, environmental, and economic restoration.

Zemlja is an example of the transformative power of architecture in rebuilding communities and fostering a shared identity. The project pushes us to consider whether reconstructing a home can pave the way for rebuilding a community, a city, or even a country. As Vernes Causevic and Lucy Dinnen of Project V Architecture explain, “Zemlja strives to rebuild a sense of place, home, and shared identity through architectural innovation.”

The apartment, originally a neglected space within a former socialist housing block, has undergone a radical transformation within a compact 50-square-meter footprint. The redesign replaces non-structural walls with movable curtains, converting four dark, small rooms into one spacious, light-filled area with five adaptable living spaces. The curtains, reminiscent of theatre drapes, allow for endless spatial configurations, revealing and concealing areas as needed.

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The rammed earth coffee table is a direct nod to the apartment’s name, Zemlja, translating to ‘earth,’ ‘land,’ or ‘country’ in Bosnian.

Bespoke fixed furniture anchors primary functions of living, working, sleeping, and dining. These include a rammed earth coffee table, a stone and beech-wood dining table, and a three-sided wardrobe and desk unit. These pieces, crafted from natural materials, are inset from the external envelope, promoting airflow, daylight, and free movement.

The project’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is evident in its material choices. Zemlja is constructed almost entirely from natural, locally sourced materials such as earth, clay, natural fabrics, and wood, which are not only more affordable but also more sustainable than imported alternatives. This approach promotes circularity and results in a significantly lower carbon footprint. The walls and ceilings are finished with clay plaster, a contemporary application of a traditional material that enhances the apartment’s ambience by reflecting daylight and providing a richly textured surface.

White oak flooring unifies the entire space, while remnants of the original terrazzo flooring have been retained in the kitchen and bathroom, blending old and new elements. Clay and wood materials help regulate humidity and improve air quality, thermal performance, and overall well-being.

The Zemlja concept extends to the apartment’s facade, featuring spruce timber windows and a balcony celebrating urban living connected to nature and community. This design choice builds on Sarajevo’s makeshift spirit, visible in the patchwork of self-built balconies and windows across the city.

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Lucy Dinnen and Vernes Causevic of Project V Architecture.

The historical context of Grbavica, occupied and sealed off from the rest of Sarajevo during the war, adds another layer of meaning to the project. The removal of walls within the apartment symbolizes the breaking down of barriers and the dismantling of psychological borders that continue to divide society today. The design draws inspiration from the adaptable architecture created by citizens during the Siege, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the community.

Project V Architecture managed the entire construction process, including the self-building of specialist furniture. They collaborated with a network of mines, factories, and craftspeople across Bosnia-Herzegovina, bringing together a diverse material palette representing the country’s cultural richness.

Zemlja is a compelling example of how architecture can play a crucial role in social and environmental restoration, contributing to healing and rebuilding in post-war contexts. As we continue to explore sustainable reconstruction, projects like this remind us of the importance of thoughtful design in rebuilding not just homes, but communities and identities.

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[Photography by Shantanu Starick.]