Introducing Zemlja, a sustainable and adaptable apartment retrofit in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, designed by Project V Architecture in 2023. This ecologically and economically viable project reimagines urban living, drawing inspiration from the city’s architectural history and the resilience of its citizens.
Zemlja, meaning “earth,” “land,” and “country,” offers a glimmer of hope for a viable alternative through sustainable reconstruction, promoting the use of local, natural materials and fostering a holistic approach to social repair and healing in the war-burdened Grbavica neighborhood.

About Zemlja
In the war-torn Grbavica neighborhood of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Zemlja, a 50 m2 (540 sq ft) apartment, has been reimagined as an ecologically and economically viable model for sustainable urban living. Rebuilding Community Through Design
Zemlja, meaning ‘earth,’ ‘land,’ and ‘country,’ offers a glimmer of hope in a society still recovering from the Bosnian War. Designed by Project V Architecture, this project strives to rebuild a sense of place, home, and shared identity through architectural innovation, addressing the unsustainable post-war building practices in the region.
Adaptable and Multifunctional Living
Embracing the challenges of a compact space, Zemlja has been transformed into a spacious and adaptable home. By re...