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A vibrantly colored house specially designed to offer housing to women who have survived war, violence, and social inequity.
Completed through a highly collaborative process that lasted seven years, House for Five Women in Gradačac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a special architectural project based on the principles of co-living. Zurich- and Belgrade-based architecture studio TEN worked with Hazima Smajlović, NGO Naš Izvor, Engineers Without Borders, the Gradačac municipality, and local craftspeople to bring the house to life. Built for women who have survived war, violence and social inequity, the building provides comfortable housing with private and common spaces that foster a sense of community and interdependence. Located in the countryside close to the small town of Gradačac, the residence features self-contained rooms and spacious shared areas as well as a garden for growing food.
Using architecture, art, and design as tools for change, the studio designed the structure as a space enables self-expression and privacy on one side and co-habitation, openness and shared experiences on the other. Created in collaboration with artist Shirana Shahbazi, the facade features vibrantly colored panels with organic textures and glossy surfaces that reflect the light and subtly change hues throughout the day. The ground floor boasts 20 doors that create a 25-meter-long passageway which connects the interiors to a pebble-covered terrace and a nearby road. Furthermore, landscape architect Daniel Ganz planted local trees around the building and created a productive food garden.
The ground floor houses the private rooms, which feature self-contained kitchenettes that enable independent living. Larger than standard main living areas, the common space reinforces the idea of community, bringing the women together. This area serves as a living room, socializing space, kitchen, and workshop. Apart from the glass doors that connect the interior to the surrounding landscape, the space also features a long skylight that brings in swathes of natural light. The ground floor also contains two utility rooms and large bathrooms. On the upper level, a long and narrow space serves as a multi-functional room that can accommodate different activities, from storing the food grown in the garden to providing accommodation to more residents.
The team worked closely with local carpenters, metalworkers, car painters and other craftspeople to complete House for Five Women. Additionally, individual contributions and donations provided the resources needed for the project. The material palette includes concrete, metal and wood kept in a perfect balance of textures. Bright and pastel colors along with traditional rugs give the interiors a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere.
A project that uses architecture as a tool for social change, the house enables collective well-being while also connecting the inhabitants with the local community. The women who reside here can determine the length of their stay and heal, live and grow in peace and comfort. Finally, the team remains engaged with the project through NGO Naš Izvor to ensure that the building continuously adapts to the needs of its changing residents. Photography© Maxime Delvaux, Adrien de Hemptinne.
