The Green Building Council Bosnia and Herzegovina invites applications for the GBC BiH International Summer School 2026 – Sustainable & Natural Building Materials, which will take place from 13 to 19 August 2026 in the surroundings of Sarajevo, with program activities also organized in the city itself.
This seven-day program (six nights) brings together a selected group of participants to explore the practical application of wood, straw, earthen clay, and sheep wool in contemporary sustainable construction. Participants will work directly with invited experts through intensive hands-on workshops, collaborative experimentation, and practical presentations. The program emphasizes learning by doing, combining theoretical insights with practical work.
The summer school will conclude with a final public exhibition presented in Sarajevo during the period of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Location
Participants will be accommodated in Visoko, a town located approximately 35 km from Sarajevo (around 30–40 minutes by car).
Workshops and program activities will take place both in Visoko and Sarajevo. The practical building workshops will primarily be organized in Visoko, where participants will work directly with natural materials in a hands-on environment. Additional lectures, cultural activities, and the final exhibition will take place in Sarajevo.
To get a better impression of the accommodation and its surroundings, you can watch a short video presenting the location here: (111) Bosnian pyramid Glamping Jun 2025 – YouTube
Transportation between Visoko and Sarajevo during program activities will be organized by the Summer School.
Program Overview
The program combines practical workshops, cultural activities, and opportunities for international exchange. Throughout the week, participants will engage in four full-day hands-on workshops focusing on natural building materials: wood, straw, clay, and sheep wool.
Afternoon activities will include cultural site visits, guest lectures, and group activities designed to provide additional learning opportunities and contextual understanding of the region. Evening programming will focus on cultural exchange and community building through activities such as traditional cooking, traditional sevdah music sessions, craft workshops, and interactive group events.
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend the opening night of the Sarajevo Film Festival, one of the most significant cultural events in Southeast Europe.
The program will culminate in a collaborative integration project and public exhibition, allowing participants to present the results of their work and share their experience with a wider audience. All participants will receive a certificate of participation upon completion of the program.
Agenda of the program can be found here.
Lecturers and Workshop Mentors
The workshops and program activities will be led by experienced professionals working in the fields of sustainable architecture, natural materials, and ecological construction. Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with experts who have extensive practical and research experience in the use of natural building materials.
The invited lecturers and workshop mentors include:
Each lecturer will lead a workshop related to their field of expertise and guide participants through practical experimentation with natural building materials.
Participants can learn more about the lecturers and their professional background by visiting their individual biography pages, available through the links above.
Who Can Apply
The program is open to students, young professionals, and anyone interested in sustainable building practices and natural materials.
Applicants from fields such as architecture, civil engineering, design, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply, but participation is not limited to these professions. Previous experience with natural materials is not required.
Selection will primarily be based on motivation and demonstrated interest in the topic. Participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and from international locations are encouraged to apply.
Participation Fee
The participation fee for the program is 500 EUR.
The fee includes accommodation for six nights in Visoko, three meals per day, all workshops and materials, organized afternoon and evening activities, transportation during the program (including transport between Visoko and Sarajevo), transportation from and to the airport, attendance at the opening night of the Sarajevo Film Festival, and a certificate of participation.
Travel costs to and from Sarajevo are not included.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through an online application form: GBC BiH International Summer School 2026 – Application Form
Applicants will be asked to provide basic personal information, which will be used solely for the administrative organization of the Summer School, as well as a short motivation statement explaining their interest in sustainable building practices and participation in the program.
Applications will be reviewed primarily based on motivation and interest in sustainable building practices.
Number of Participants
The number of available places is limited. Selected participants will be notified after the application review process has been completed.
Application Deadlines
Applicants who require a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina must submit their applications by 29. March 2026.
Applicants who do not require a visa must submit their applications by 3. May 2026.
The program is organized by the Green Building Council Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More information about the organization can be found on our official website.
Supported by
GBC BiH is supported by the RECONOMY regional program for inclusive and green economic development, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with CeProSARD and other organizations in the regions of the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans.