The House for Five Women: An Architectural Haven of Resilience and Adaptability
An impactful architectural narrative often begins with a visually striking facade. The House for Five Women, nestled in the serene landscape of Gradačac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, exemplifies this principle. Its eye-catching patchwork facade, inspired by traditional Bosnian textiles, gleams under the sun, while its innovative design retains a functional and inviting interior. This unique structure not only captures attention but tells a story of resilience, adaptability, and community support.
Creating a Sanctuary for Women
Initiated by Bosnian activist Hazima Smajlović, the House for Five Women serves as a refuge for women escaping the turmoil of war, violence, and social injustices. Following the devastation of the 1990s conflict, Bosnia has faced demographic challenges, including an aging population and economic migration. This housing project addresses critical gaps in social infrastructure by offering both shelter and communal facilities for its residents.
Designed by the Serbia and Switzerland-based architecture firm TEN in collaboration with various NGOs, including Engineers Without Borders, the House for Five Women has become a bastion for social support and healing. The building integrates formal aesthetics with a fluid program, ultimately creating a space that is both lived-in and community-oriented.
Transforming Lives Through Architecture
For Smajlović, it was essential to create not just a building, but a community. The architectural design encourages collaborative learning, offering women opportunities to learn new skills and generate income. To sustain residents, agricultural plots were integrated into the site, enabling future inhabitants to cultivate produce and craft artisanal goods.
Lukas Burkhart, one of the architects involved, emphasizes that the House for Five Women is not merely a ‘Bosnian’ structure but the result of a complex, responsive design process. The goal was to align architectural outcomes with the needs and cultural context of the people who inhabit it, fostering a sense of belonging and adaptability.
A Unique Architectural Approach
The project eschews traditional typologies in favor of a model marked by collaboration among diverse contributors. As the architectural team notes, the design evolved from an understanding of local needs and available resources, prioritizing flexibility over rigid planning. This resulted in a close-knit working relationship with local artisans—craftspeople, painters, and woodworkers—who were integral to the building process.
The design features five individual rooms unified by a shared living space, filled with natural light and designed to promote connection. Burkhart highlights that the project operates without a fixed masterplan, instead relying on mutual respect and shared goals among all stakeholders.
Living Spaces Tailored for Comfort
The interiors are contemporary yet deeply rooted in Bosnian culture, with careful documentation of traditional homes influencing their design. Elements such as the use of scrap metal for the facade respond directly to insights gathered during this research phase. The layout incorporates glass sliding doors that blend the interior with the exterior landscape, simulating traditional south-facing porches.
Comfort was a priority in the design, with each room equipped with kitchenettes and ample storage. The innovative use of a multifunctional space atop the common area further maximizes utility despite financial constraints that eliminated the possibility of a basement.
An Evolving Community Space
Life within the House for Five Women reflects its purpose, filled with warmth and daily activity. Personal touches abound—carpets adorn walls, coffee is always ready for guests, and practical furnishings create a welcoming environment. Despite minor challenges, such as temperature control in the common area, the structure has adjusted to meet the needs of its residents.
Significantly, the project’s adaptability allows it to continue transforming along with its inhabitants. Originally designed to house women, the space now accommodates families, fostering a sense of community as they build their playground and adapt to their new environment.
Conclusion: A Model of Care and Collaboration
The House for Five Women stands as a testament to what architecture can achieve when community needs are prioritized and emotional resilience is nurtured. This project underscores the importance of flexible, responsive design that evolves alongside its inhabitants. As Burkhart says, it is the story and the cooperative effort behind this architectural endeavor that breathe life into the structure. In a world where it often “takes a village," this house symbolizes hope and renewal.
For an in-depth look at this remarkable architectural achievement, visit STIR.
For more insights on innovative design and community-centric spaces, be sure to check out our blog at ChatbiHouse.
