House in Bosnia Rethinks Social Housing

The house was designed by the architectural practice Ten. It offers women who have survived war, violence and exclusion a safe place to live. The project combines architecture with social engagement, promoting communal living and participation in rural areas.

Healing architecture

With this project, the Zurich- and Belgrade-based architects Ten have created a compelling example of how architecture can transcend its functional role. Rather than being a neutral backdrop, the house is a consciously designed space that considers the needs of its residents and empowers them. It demonstrates how architecture can have a healing effect, providing not only a protective space, but also contributing to social justice and cultural resilience. 

Architecture as a social process 

The design process was collaborative from the outset. The design was consistently based on the site's real needs and possibilities. Rather than using ready-made solutions, an adaptable framework was created that focuses on growth, change and interaction. 

The facade: not just an accessory, but an expression

The facade was developed in collaboration with artist Shirana Shahbazi. Coloured metal panels in pink, green, blue and red create a visual dynamic. The panels were painted locally — a car repair shop was even converted into a studio for this purpose. Twenty doors facing the street create a 25-m-long threshold connecting the interior and exterior. The facade thus becomes a symbol of openness and participation. 

Connecting the inside and outside 

The floor plan strikes a balance between private retreats and communal living spaces. The five equally sized rooms on the ground floor have kitchenettes and built-in cupboards, offering independence on a small scale. Ten double doors along the south wall transform the entrance into an internal street, promoting communication without hindering privacy. The 90 m² communal area functions as an extended veranda, offering an open, permeable space flooded with light. It can be used as a kitchen, workroom or meeting place. A skylight separates it from the private areas. Adjacent are two utility units with toilets and garden access, made of exposed concrete. 

A space for growth

Above the communal area is a 26-m-long multifunctional room modelled on the traditional typology of a shepherd's camp. Constructed as a space frame, it is clad with metal panels on the outside and wood on the inside so that it can be both visible and separate as required. This space can be used for various seasonal activities, such as food storage or accommodating additional residents. 

The women design not only their home, but also the life around it. They plant the adjacent area, transforming the land into something that strengthens and sustains them. With the support of a carer, a vibrant community is growing here that evolves with each new story. © Milos Martinovic

A Place in Motion

The house is not a finished product, but rather a platform. Its robustness, clean lines and simple materials reflect the resilience of its residents. The design challenges conventional definitions of comfort, opening up new forms of collective living. The NGO Naš Izvor will manage the building in the long term.  

Read more in Detail 1/2.2026 and in our Detail Inspiration database.