Hybrid Structural System Rapid Hospital Project by DORÇE – 4 × 160-Bed Hospitals – Apure, Barinas, Mérida, Guárico, Venezuela

Strategic Transformation and a Healthcare Breakthrough for Emergency Capacity in Latin America

Implemented simultaneously within an 11-month period for the Ministry of Health of Venezuela, the four general hospitals, each with a capacity of 160 beds, delivered across the states of Apure, Barinas, Mérida, and Guárico, provided a rapid and effective response to the country’s urgent healthcare capacity needs.
This project stands out as a strategic transformation in the healthcare construction sector in Latin America, driven by DORÇE’s engineering strength, manufacturing capability, and strong site organization expertise.

The initial phase of the project commenced using a conventional reinforced concrete construction system. However, in line with the objective of commissioning the hospitals in the shortest possible time, it became essential to optimize the construction approach from a scheduling perspective. At this critical stage, DORÇE developed an alternative construction model designed to accelerate progress without halting the ongoing reinforced concrete works.

Critical Transition from Reinforced Concrete to Light Steel Construction

During this transformation process, DORÇE integrated its engineering and manufacturing experience gained from healthcare facility projects delivered across various geographies, particularly in the United States. The developed solution was based on preserving the existing reinforced concrete structural systems while continuing the superstructure and complementary building elements using Light Steel Panel Systems.

Through this approach, the project was transformed into a Hybrid Structural System Hospital Model, combining reinforced concrete and steel construction technologies. As a result, a hospital project initiated with traditional construction methods was optimized using a modern, fast-track steel construction solution.

Speed, Control, and Scalability

The implemented hybrid structural system significantly enhanced both speed and control throughout the project. Factory-based production of light steel systems, delivery to site as ready-to-install components, and rapid assembly capabilities considerably reduced the overall construction duration compared to conventional methods.

This methodology also represents a strong benchmark for prefabricated hospital solutions and modular healthcare facilities. The project clearly demonstrated that hybrid systems are applicable, reliable, and scalable in markets such as Venezuela, where urgent healthcare infrastructure is required.

Leadership in Engineering Flexibility

One of the most notable aspects of the project was the simultaneous management of four hospitals located in different cities. Enabled by DORÇE’s in-house capabilities in:

• Engineering flexibility
• Industrial production capacity
• Advanced logistics planning
• Strong site organization

All hospitals progressed in parallel and were managed in line with the planned schedule under a turnkey hospital delivery approach.

This model represents not merely a construction methodology, but a solution that delivers rapid, tangible public benefit for countries requiring emergency healthcare infrastructure.

A Reference Project for Venezuela’s Healthcare Sector and Latin America

The resulting hybrid construction model serves as a significant reference not only for Venezuela’s healthcare sector but also for large-scale hospital projects across Latin America where time constraints are critical. By demonstrating that ongoing reinforced concrete projects can be rapidly completed through integration with steel and prefabricated systems, the project represents a sectoral milestone.

Through this project, DORÇE has clearly demonstrated how engineering flexibility, rapid manufacturing, and strong site coordination can deliver measurable and impactful benefits in healthcare infrastructure. This approach stands as a powerful example reinforcing DORÇE’s leadership in prefabricated and hybrid hospital solutions.