Skip to main content
European Union logo
New European Bauhaus Prizes

The Zagorje Turkey Yard
{Empty}
The Zagorje Turkey Yard (Dvorišče zagorskog purana) is a vibrant community hub where tradition, history and local identities are celebrated and expressed in new ways. Nestled in the Croatian region of Hrvatsko zagorje, in Zlatar Bistrica, it is both a physical space and a symbolic center that empowers creativity and sustainable practices, while fostering authenticity and revitalizing heritage. At its core is the Zagorje turkey, a native breed embodying the region’s culinary and cultural legacy.
Croatia
VLADIMIRA NAZORA 56
Early initiative
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
05274: Zlatar Bistrica (HR)
{Empty}

The Zagorje Turkey Yard (Dvorišče zagorskog purana) is a localy-driven initiative that revitalizes the heritage of Zlatar Bistrica through local engagement, sustainable approach and storytelling. As a physical space, it consists of two buildings - Yellow and Green House - a shared yard, and a water well. As a symbolic space, it represents the center of community life, cultural and educational activities and heritage interpretation.
At the heart of this story is the Zagorje turkey, a breed farmed in the Hrvatsko zagorje region. As a key center for turkey production at the beginning of 20th century, Zlatar Bistrica played a major role in breeding and exporting this high-quality poultry, which was, and still is, raised using free-range methods. The railway enabled exports to countries as far as England, linking turkey farming to the local economic development and identity. Though production has declined, the initiative seeks to restore its significance, bridging past traditions with modern sustainable practices.
The main aim of the initiative is to transform a neglected site into a vibrant community hub that also attracts visitors and tourists.
The key outcomes include:
- Restoration - the Yellow House will host an exhibition dedicated to local stories (emphasizing the Zagorje turkey), cultural events, and educational programs; Green House will function as a center for local NGOs, sustainability workshops, and creative activities.
- Revitalization of the yard and the water well, turning them into a green space for public events.
- Strengthening local identity and community ties through co-creation, participation and exchange of ideas.
- Integrating Zlatar Bistrica into the European network of sustainable cultural destinations.
The main target group is the local community (residents, children and youth, cultural workers, NGOs, artists, farmers, craftsmen…), but the initiative will also attract visitors and tourists seeking authentic experiences.
Community
Transformation
Heritage
Sustainability
Authenticity
The architectural concept design for the renovation of the Green House has been completed.It integrates sustainable solutions such as energy-efficient heating and water management systems; solar panels; a green wall; a partially green roof; a canopy to mitigate the heat island effect.To preserve the natural landscape, there will be no asphalt surfaces around the house and the yard will be enriched with native plants and insect hotels. Once renovated, the Green House will host thematic lectures, creative workshops and sustainability-focused programs. The architectural concept for the Yellow House will follow the same approach. Additionally, the water well in the yard will be restored and put back into use. Water wells are a common feature in Zlatar Bistrica’s yards and many are still functional. Key stakeholders include the local kindergarten and elementary school, both certified as Eco-Schools under the Foundation for Environmental Education. These institutions, along with local ecology-focused NGOs, will be crucial partners in developing sustainability related educational activities on-site.
When it comes to the Zagorje turkey, this breed is an example of sustainable livestock farming. It holds the EU label of origin and geographical indication and is rooted in traditional free-range breeding methods, meaning the turkeys are raised on open pastures and fed with locally available food. Such farming ensures high quality meat, supports small-scale farmers and local agricultural biodiversity, maintaining genetic diversity and resilience in local ecosystems. The Municipality provides financial support for local farmers, encouraging sustainable breeding practices and animal welfare.By implementing these ideas, the initiative will contribute to sustainable practices in local everyday life and development of sustainable tourism, positioning Zlatar Bistrica as an exemplary community where heritage, sustainability, and social innovation drive local and regional development
The Yellow House and the Green House were once private homes, but were later abandoned. They are located along the main road in Zlatar Bistrica and are now under municipal ownership. Although neglected, they still have eye-catching facades. These will be reconstructed, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the area and preserving the local cultural landscape.
Through the initiative, these buildings will be transformed into a dynamic community hub, providing a central space for social interaction, creative exchange, and participatory activities.
The interactive exhibition in the Yellow House will present local history and traditions, emphasizing the significance of the Zagorje turkey. The house will become a place where local stories and values are preserved and shared while fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents. Hands-on workshops and educational programs will encourage skill development and creativity.
The yard will serve as a green oasis, offering a space for relaxation and activities such as open-air concerts, film screenings, and artistic performances. Encounters within the initiative will strengthen social cohesion and community well-being. The activities will revitalize local heritage - both tangible and intangible - and enrich the lives of local residents through culture. They will also attract visitors and tourists by providing unique and emotionally engaging experiences.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the value of local heritage and collective experiences. This fusion of architecture, nature and culture will foster positive emotions and deeper engagement with local traditions and identity. It is an example of a locally-driven initiative with a core mission of reconnecting local residents with their heritage and with one another. Through thoughtful design, storytelling and participatory engagement, the initiative exemplifies how cultural heritage can be a catalyst for positive change in a local context.
The initiative is designed as an accessible and inclusive place. The physical area will be barrier-free, allowing access for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. The Green House will feature an access ramp, an elevator and an adapted restroom, while the Yellow House will follow the same approach.
The exhibition in the Yellow House will incorporate audio exhibits, an audio guide, and subtitles for audiovisual contents, making it more accessible to individuals with visual and hearing impairment.
Residents of Zlatar Bistrica often express that the sense of community has weakened over time. However, there is a strong collective awareness of the potential of local heritage as a catalyst for social and economic revitalization. Everyone is deeply connected to its local identity, and that is evident even by the municipality's coat of arms, which features a Zagorje turkey. The initiative will provide a new community center, open to everyone, a place where resources and opportunities will be shared.
Financial inclusivity will also be a key priority. Educational, cultural, and creative programs will be free of charge or affordable, promoting equal access to cultural participation and lifelong learning. Partnerships with local educational institutions, the pensioners' association and other NGOs will enable children, youth, and vulnerable groups to participate in activities that strengthen the sense of community and encourage lifelong learning.
Governance and decision-making within the initiative emphasize community involvement, giving residents the opportunity to actively co-create activities. This bottom-up approach, which ensures that the initiative reflects the community’s needs, demonstrates how heritage can revitalize local communities and create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and engaged.
The initiative originated from a group of local enthusiasts, gaining support from the local government from the very beginning. The Municipality integrated the idea into strategic planning and municipal budget. To guide its development, the Municipality recently commissioned a strategic document called the Strategic plan for the Interpretation of Heritage of the Municipality of Zlatar Bistrica. While external experts developed the plan, local stakeholders actively contributed through a participatory workshop and interviews.
The Strategic Plan envisions the initiative being managed by a Coordinator and a Committee, with the Committee including community representatives from key sectors - culture, tourism, nature, sports… Their role will be to implement the Plan’s goals and act as a bridge between local authorities and the community.
The initiative will actively engage citizens and stakeholders in designing and implementing activities. Key contributors include the school, kindergarten, local associations, artists, turkey breeders, manufacturers, and restaurant owners, all of whom will contribute to the creation of engaging and educational programs.
For example, the local school, in collaboration with a local artist, will organize a workshop on making clay figurines of the Zagorje turkey for children. The school already does such activities. The pensioners' association, together with an environmental association, will host a crafting workshop using natural materials for the elderly. Local artists will also have the opportunity to present their musical or visual artwork.
Once the initiative is established, the Strategic Plan proposes the launch of the Virtual Museum - a crowdsourced digital platform where community members can share their stories, photographs and other materials related to Zlatar Bistrica.
Ultimately, the initiative will provide the community with an attractive and engaging public space that will enrich everyday life.
The initiative is the result of multi-level collaboration. At the local level, it was initiated by local enthusiasts and embraced by the Municipality of Zlatar Bistrica. Local residents, representatives of institutions, associations, artists, and business owners, actively contributed to the Strategic Plan and will co-create and implement cultural and educational programs within the initiative.
At the regional level, the initiative aligns with Krapina-Zagorje County’s priorities in heritage preservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. The County provides institutional support and connects the project with regional initiatives. The regional tourist board will have an important role in promoting the initiative, increasing its visibility and attracting visitors. The Strategic Plan also envisions a Festival of the Zagorje Turkey, a regional event organized in collaboration with regional farmers, craftsmen and chefs, featuring culinary experiences, educational workshops, and cultural events, while highlighting the significance of the breed.
At the national level, the initiative aligns with Croatia’s national strategies. Collaboration with national institutions such as the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Ministry of Agriculture, along with experts in heritage management, architecture, restoration, tourism, and marketing, will help integrate best practices and expertise. Additionally, national funding programs offer opportunities for financial support.
At the European level, the initiative aligns with the New European Bauhaus principles and seeks to join European networks focused on participatory heritage management and community revitalization. This will create opportunities for knowledge exchange, funding, and partnerships, including collaborations through Erasmus+ projects, study visits, cultural tourism initiatives, and gastronomy-focused activities.
The local community is the true custodian of local knowledge and heritage - the experts act as facilitators, helping to shape and present this knowledge in an engaging and meaningful way. To bring this initiative to life, experts from various disciplines are coming together, including heritage strategic planners, experts in heritage documentation, interpretation, and management, architects, designers, landscape planners, sustainability experts, farmers, artisans, marketing experts...
Heritage interpretation experts develop the narrative framework that drives the project, while architects, designers, and landscape planners collaborate on adaptive reuse strategies to restore the site integrating eco-friendly solutions such as energy efficiency, accessibility, and green infrastructure.
The initiative also incorporates principles of sustainable tourism. Collaboration with regional and national tourism boards ensures that the initiative aligns with broader tourism strategies, while partnerships with local farmers and producers emphasize agro-tourism and traditional food production. Farmers and turkey breeders will be actively involved in storytelling, workshops, and agro-tourism programs, ensuring that their knowledge and expertise are shared with new generations and visitors.
Local educational institutions and NGOs play a key role in co-creating interdisciplinary activities, such as thematic lectures and hands-on workshops.
This interdisciplinary collaboration has been crucial in developing an initiative that is culturally meaningful, environmentally responsible, and economically viable. By merging local knowledge, scientific insights, and creative industries, the initiative will become a living platform where local values are recognized, enhanced, and shared for the benefit of both the community and visitors.
Mainstream heritage revitalization projects typically focus on preserving tangible heritage and presenting historical facts, often through static exhibitions. This initiative stands out with its bottom-up approach to safeguarding local identity. Rather than merely preserving and presenting the history of Zlatar Bistrica, it aims to create a cultural hub that transforms heritage into a living experience.
Instead of relying solely on external experts, the initiative ensures that local residents play a central role in shaping and implementing activities, while keeping cultural traditions relevant and meaningful.
Another innovative aspect is the fusion of heritage interpretation with sustainable design and regeneration. The restoration of the site integrates energy-efficient solutions and accessibility, while engaging local farmers and artisans contributes to the development of eco-tourism and enhancement of the local economy.
By merging participatory governance, sustainability and creative industries, the initiative serves as a model that challenges mainstream heritage practices and demonstrates how small communities can innovate while preserving their cultural identity.
The initiative follows a bottom-up approach, ensuring that the local community plays an active role in shaping its vision and activities. Another key principle is interdisciplinarity and multi-level collaboration.
The first step was the development of the Strategic Plan for the Interpretation of Heritage of Zlatar Bistrica. This document established the vision of the initiative and outlined an action plan to achieve its goals.
The next step involves the development of the exhibition concept for the Yellow House, while architectural documentation is being prepared. This will be followed by the master exhibition plan, leading to implementation of both physical reconstruction of the site as well as the exhibition development.
When it comes to developing the narrative for the exhibition, the local community will be engaged through more participative workshops. These workshops will focus on collecting authentic stories, objects and other materials that reflect the history and values of Zlatar Bistrica.
Once the initiative is established, the Coordinator and the Committee will oversee its further development, creating annual action plans that define further steps for organizing cultural, educational, and community-driven activities.
The initiative serves as a replicable model for small communities seeking to revitalize heritage, strengthen their identity and promote sustainable local development.
A key element ensuring the project’s success is strategic planning, which establishes a clear framework for defining goals, activities and stakeholders.
One of the core features of the initiative is its bottom-up approach, ensuring that projects reflect authenticity and local values. This participatory model can be replicated in other small communities, empowering residents to actively shape cultural and tourism programs.
The interdisciplinary approach in architectural design and exhibition planning is another transferable element. Engaging heritage interpretation experts, architects, designers, and sustainability specialists ensures a holistic approach to site restoration and storytelling. Community involvement in narrative creation through participatory workshops, interviews, and crowdsourcing campaigns is an adaptable method for making heritage interpretation more inclusive and meaningful.
A highly transferable aspect is the development of a crowdsourced digital platform, allowing communities to collect, share, and interpret local stories. This model provides a cost-effective and engaging tool for preserving and presenting cultural heritage in diverse settings.
By integrating adaptive reuse, participatory governance and sustainable approach, the initiative demonstrates how other communities can transform their heritage into a driver of local identity, economic opportunities, and sustainable tourism.
The initiative tackles some of the challenges that many small communities face, including depopulation, heritage deterioration, environmental sustainability, and loss of local identity and sense of belonging. It provides scalable local solutions to these challenges through heritage management, innovative storytelling, community engagement and sustainable approach.
By actively engaging residents in storytelling, craftsmanship, production, and knowledge sharing, the initiative ensures that heritage remains a living part of everyday life, strengthening local identity and creating opportunities for all. By transforming heritage into an economic driver, the initiative supports local farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs through sustainable tourism and the promotion of local food production, demonstrating how small communities across Europe can achieve resilience through the sustainable valorization of their cultural and natural assets. By supporting traditional, sustainable farming methods, the initiative preserves biodiversity and raises awareness of the importance of local food systems and shorter supply chains. This benefits both consumers, who gain access to healthier, traceable food, and producers, who receive better recognition and market opportunities.
The initiative integrates energy-efficient solutions, enhances green infrastructure, and encourages local production, minimizing its environmental impact while promoting sustainable tourism and nature conservation.
Finally, the initiative boosts the local economy by creating new employment opportunities in heritage interpretation, tourism, hospitality, and local production. It fosters social cohesion by providing a shared space for learning, creativity, and cultural exchange. In an era where digitalization and urban migration weaken community ties, this initiative offers a model framework for rebuilding local connections and collective identity.
The initiative is based on a bottom-up approach, fostering interdisciplinary development and long-term sustainability from the very beginning.
The further development of the initiative will follow the Strategic Plan for the Interpretation of Heritage of the Municipality of Zlatar Bistrica. The next phase includes the finalization of architectural documentation for the restoration of the entire site, integrating energy-efficient solutions, accessibility improvements, and participation. The exhibition concept for the Yellow House will also be developed, following a participatory approach, where local residents contribute their knowledge, stories, and materials, ensuring an authentic and inclusive narrative.
Once implemented, the initiative will establish a governance model based on participatory decision-making and long-term sustainability. Activities will be co-created and organized in collaboration with different local stakeholders, reinforcing local traditions while fostering innovation.
The launch of the Virtual Museum will make local heritage more accessible and interactive, aligning with the principle of inclusivity by extending heritage interpretation beyond physical space and reaching a wider audience.
By advancing the initiative in alignment with European principles of social inclusion, sustainable design, and environmental stewardship, Zlatar Bistrica will transform both its physical and symbolic landscape into a place where tradition and sense of belonging thrive.