Practice · January 2026

Build Better Eain: Construction Guides for Mid-Term Shelters

Step-by-step timber and steel construction guides for mid-term shelters, published with support from the European Union.

As part of our Build Better Eain initiative to support earthquake-affected communities in rebuilding safer, disaster-resilient, and climate-adapted homes, we’re excited to share that our Mid-Term Shelter Construction Guides have now been published, with support from the European Union.

Our mid-term shelters are designed to provide safe and secure temporary homes for communities facing housing challenges after the earthquake, while they work towards rebuilding their permanent homes. The shelters are constructed using two main materials - timber and steel - selected for their suitability to local contexts and needs.

Timber shelters are valued for their cost-efficiency, quick assembly, and ability to keep indoor spaces cooler, while steel shelters are chosen for their strength and resistance to termites, insects, and fire. Both approaches benefit from local availability and ease of construction, allowing communities and local builders to build efficiently and safely.

These Construction Guides aim to provide practical, step-by-step guidance, helping community members and builders understand how the shelters are designed and built, and supporting ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Explore the full Construction Guides below:

Timber Mid-Term Shelter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JdMhIT3tJcoc-PhzpMpWy3vbWQR_OfGs/view?usp=sharing

Steel Mid-Term Shelter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1glJSLb3soTISJyT3V961T9EApl1usQjn/view?usp=sharing