Svrzo's house, an iconic representation of the rich residential heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has recently undergone a comprehensive and meticulous restoration and partial reconstruction as  essential renovation works, and is now once again open for visitors. This historic house, which holds significant cultural importance in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the context of Sarajevo's architectural landscape, has been restored with a keen focus on maintaining its original character and integrity. The reconstruction efforts are ensuring that the cultural and historical essence of the building is preserved for future generations. The building is located in the Glodjina street in the municipality Old Town in Sarajevo.

Image of Svrzo’s house entrance with wooden gallery. Image © The Museum of Sarajevo

Offering a glimpse into the past of this vibrant town, Svrzo's house is not merely a structure; it presents the stories and lifestyles of those who lived in the house. The renovation process involved a careful assessment of the building's materials and design elements, prioritising the use of traditional techniques and local craftsmanship. This approach not only honours the house's historical significance while further supports the local economy and artisans.

Image of drinking water tap and flowers in the courtyard of Svrzo’s house. Image © The Museum of Sarajevo

Unfortunately, many projects similar to Svrzo's house have faced abandonment and stagnation, primarily due to challenges in management, financing and the complexities associated with preserving such culturally rich sites. Financial constraints often hinder the necessary investments required for comprehensive restoration and reconstructions, leading to the deterioration of valuable heritage properties. However, the successful reopening of Svrzo's house serves as an example for future initiatives to restore and maintain the historic fabric of Sarajevo, ensuring that the town's unique heritage continues to be celebrated and shared with locals and visitors.

Image of flowers in the garden of Svrzo’s house. Image © The Museum of Sarajevo

As many houses constructed in the latter half of the 18th century, the building features a courtyard with a garden which is adorned with local flowers, roses, trees and a drinking water tap. Some aspects of residential buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been discussed and find more in previous articles by World Architecture Country Reporter and architect Emina Čamdžić.

Svrzo's house¹ is an authentic example of the Bosnian architecture from the 18th and 19th century.

This building with its courtyard and many building areas, was a private family house built in the traditional Bosnian style, and today serves as a museum of Bosnian architecture. The family house is built from the materials adobe clay and wood, with sloped roof.

The Shakespeare's Globe Theatre 

Another project that reconstruction was done entirely in authentic materials, mostly of English oak wood, is the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre² in London.

The Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a theatre building in London and a whole reconstruction - replica of the original Globe Theatre, which was an Elizabethan theatre built in the year 1599. The significant, known writer William Shakespeare wrote his plays for the Globe Theatre. The building is located in London on the south bank of the river Thames. Since the reconstruction, the theatre building has opened its doors to many visitors and theatre enthusiasts while having plays every year since the reopening.

Image of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. Image © Sourav Niyogi³ via Wikimedia Commons

The original building had a 16th century design, while the new reconstructed building had to meet modern safety regulations and elements. The theatre is located on the almost same site as the original building because listed townhouses in London are built on the original site and could not be considered for removal.

The building of the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is built with wooden construction, consists of a wooden stage and the amphitheatre covered by a characteristic roof from straw, while all construction elements had to meet safety regulations to be built in the 20th century.

The amphitheatre, a key component of the theatre building, is uniquely covered by a sloped roof built from straw, which not only adds to the historical authenticity of the theatre while serves as a reminder to the original Globe Theatre that was built in 1599. However, the construction of this roof from straw in the 20th century was a significant achievement, as it had to comply with strict safety regulations associated with such materials. Due to these law regulations, the Globe Theatre is the only building with roof from straw permitted in London in the modern times, underscoring the challenges faced by architects and builders who sought to blend the historical accuracy with contemporary safety standards.

Image of wooden auditory balconies of the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Image © Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom⁴ via Wikimedia Commons

The building evokes the essence of the original, even though theatre technology as seen in contemporary theatres did not exist at that time. With its open spaces, balconies and wooden stage elements, the building had to adhere to standards of modern design and construction standards.

Conclusion

These projects serve for future initiatives for reconstructions, restorations and maintenance of historic typologies, ensuring that the unique heritage of towns continues to be celebrated and shared with local residents and visitors.

Top image: Svrzo’s house with stone paved courtyard. Image by the Museum of Sarajevo. Retrieved 8 January, 2025 from (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1058106839445628&set=a.509137014342616) via the Museum of Sarajevo Facebook page. 

1. Svrzo's house information. Retrieved 9 January, 2025 from (https://www.facebook.com/MuzejSarajeva) via the Museum of Sarajevo Facebook page. Copy-Paste into your browser.
2. The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre information. Retrieved 10 January, 2025 from (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare%27s_Globe) via Wikipedia. Copy-Paste into your browser.
3. Image: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. Image by Sourav Niyogi. Retrieved 10 January, 2025 from (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shakespeare%27s_Globe_Theatre,_London.JPG) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). Copy-Paste into your browser.
4. Image: Wooden auditory balconies of the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Image by Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom. Retrieved 10 January, 2025 from (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shakespeare%27s_Globe_(27816935889).jpg) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). Copy-Paste into your browser.

reconstruction Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Svrzo’s House