An EPC Accommodation Solution Integrating Multi-Storey Modular and Heavy Steel Structures Designed for the Oil & Gas Sector

In the Habshan region, one of the UAE’s key strategic energy hubs, a fully Integrated Workforce Accommodation Village with a capacity of 6,000 residents was delivered on a turnkey basis by Dorce under the Design & Build model. The project was planned to meet the accommodation, social living, and operational support needs of personnel working in oil and gas fields, with a focus on rapid deployment, high durability, and long-term service performance.

The project client was Marina General Contracting, and the project owner was GASCO. Construction was completed between March 2010 and February 2011, bringing the facility into operation within just 12 months.

Multi-Storey Modular Buildings Combined with Heavy Steel Social Facilities

In the Habshan Accommodation Village, two-storey prefabricated modular residential buildings formed the core accommodation solution. Rather than a conventional dormitory camp, the development was planned as a fully integrated living environment combining modules with different functions. The structural systems used included:

• Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) modular buildings
• Pre-Engineered heavy steel structures
• Modular steel and flat-pack systems

Dining halls and kitchen facilities were specifically constructed as heavy steel structures due to their wide-span design and intensive usage requirements — providing both high structural integrity and strong long-term operational performance.

Comprehensive Social and Operational Facilities

Across a total enclosed area of 48,000 m², the following facilities were delivered on a turnkey basis:

• 2-storey modular accommodation buildings for workers and supervisors
• Administrative and management offices
• Heavy steel 2-storey dining halls and kitchen buildings
• Recreation areas and social facilities
• Clinic and medical units
• Fire station
• Mosques and prayer areas
• Sports facilities
• Laundry buildings
• Car park shading structures

All structures were designed and built in full compliance with oil and gas sector requirements, including occupational safety, fire protection, and operational continuity standards.

Integrated Project Management with the Design & Build Model

Under the Design & Build approach, Dorce undertook and delivered the full project lifecycle, including:

• Architectural, structural, and engineering design
• Civil works including site preparation and foundations
• Production of light steel, heavy steel, and modular structures
• Transportation and on-site assembly
• Commissioning and turnkey delivery of all facilities

Running design and construction in parallel significantly improved time, cost, and quality control performance.

A Strong Workforce Camp Reference for Middle East Energy Projects

The Habshan 6,000-Person Integrated Workforce Accommodation Village clearly demonstrates Dorce’s capability in delivering fast-track, high-capacity, turnkey accommodation solutions that integrate multi-storey modular housing with heavy steel social infrastructure for the oil and gas industry. The project represents a scalable and sustainable model for similar energy investments across Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf region.