Re-design, re-use and recycle of temporary houses

Disasters are recurring to global problems, which results in homelessness. The affected region had economical, environmental and social problems as well. In relief and reconstruction phases, the need for integrated management appeared in order to use the national sources actively and productively. Especially housing implementations had an important role for future development of the affected region. For accelerating the reconstruction of the region and forming a sustainable community, which maintains itself socially, environmentally and economically over time; energy usage for construction should be kept to a minimum. Past research in Turkey shows that the cost of temporary houses (to be used as the short term shelter) had a ratio of 10-15% of the total expenses of whole construction activity. For saving money and protecting the environment and conserving scarce resources, the affected region must consider the option of temporary houses to meet their short and long-term need during the reconstruction process. After the end of usage, temporary houses should be able to be re-used for the same or new function. This study is a test of re-design and re-use of a temporary housing site; by using recycled materials, minimum energy and voluntary participation so that this site can finally become a permanent housing site. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.