Emergency Prefabricated Modular Living Units and Disaster Housing for 20,000 People After the Marmara Region Earthquake – Marmara – Türkiye

Emergency Response, Safe, Fast, and Turnkey Temporary Settlement Solution Following the 1999 Marmara Earthquake

Following the devastating earthquake that struck the Marmara Region in 1999, remembered as one of the most destructive disasters in Türkiye’s history, the need for shelter rapidly became a critical humanitarian necessity. In order to establish safe, fast, and organized settlement areas for tens of thousands of earthquake victims, the Emergency Prefabricated Modular Living Units and Disaster Housing Project for 20,000 people was implemented by DORÇE Prefabricated Buildings & Construction.

The project was carried out under the authority of the General Directorate of Construction Affairs of the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement of the period. Thanks to DORÇE’s industrial production infrastructure, modern prefabricated construction methods, and strong site organization capability, the project was completed in an exceptionally short period of only 3 months. Delivered on a turnkey basis, including both infrastructure and superstructure works, this project became one of the benchmark examples of rapid post-disaster response.

Rapid Production and Emergency Response Capability

The prefabricated modular container units and prefabricated modular steel building systems developed at DORÇE’s own manufacturing facilities enabled a swift response to the urgent shelter needs arising after the earthquake. Through mass production, standardized module design, and fast on-site assembly, temporary living areas were established in a planned, secure, and controlled manner.

The established settlements went beyond meeting housing needs alone; all social and technical facilities required for daily life were also included within the project scope.

Comprehensive Living Areas and Social Facilities

Within the scope of the project, the following facilities were designed, manufactured, and installed on site by DORÇE:

• Prefabricated modular housing units

• Dining hall buildings

• Laundry and hygiene units

• Clinics and healthcare buildings

• Common-use areas and support facilities

Thanks to this integrated and holistic approach, the fundamental needs of earthquake victims were met under safe and humane conditions throughout the temporary accommodation period. The settlements were planned to ensure continuity of daily life until permanent housing reconstruction was completed.

Earthquake-Resistant and Safe Structural System

The prefabricated modular steel structural system used in the project offers a safe building solution for regions with high seismic risk. Lightweight steel structural systems, with their ability to dissipate seismic loads in a controlled manner, represent an ideal construction model for disaster management and temporary settlement projects.

The approach demonstrated by DORÇE in this project reflects not only rapid production and installation, but also a construction philosophy centered on post-disaster risk management, safe structural design, and humane living standards.

The Emergency Living Units Project for 20,000 people, implemented after the 1999 Marmara Earthquake, clearly demonstrates DORÇE’s experience, production capacity, and expertise in delivering large-scale prefabricated solutions for disaster and emergency response scenarios.