From Core To Home
We build safe homes and empower families to take ownership of rebuilding their future.
OUR STORY
Architectural Recovery Team (ART) is a foundation based in the Netherlands, founded in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria in February 2023. What began as a student-led initiative at Delft University of Technology quickly grew into an interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers, researchers, and local partners.
Confronted with the lack of suitable solutions for rural communities, we developed an innovative, place-based housing approach. Through extensive field research and close collaboration with local communities and builders, we translated knowledge into action. This resulted in our first prototype home: a modular, earthquake-resilient house designed to grow with its inhabitants.
A clear example where research comes into practice.
OUR GOALS
Sharing knowledge
We gather and share knowledge by participating in workshops, lectures, and ongoing dialogue with experts.
Building long term homes
We focus on sustainable construction methods and materials, enabling earthquake-resilient buildings that can adapt to changing needs over time, delivering safe and long-term homes.
Together with the community
We build together and for the community. By working closely with local communities and contexts, we strengthen ownership and ensure homes truly belong to the people who live in them.
OUR SOLUTION
Our solution is built around a prefabricated core unit that forms the heart of the home. This core contains all essential functions, kitchen, bathroom, and technical systems, providing families with a safe, sanitary, and comfortable living environment from day one.
Around this core, the house can grow over time. Using modular and locally adaptable components, families can expand their home according to their needs, resources, and cultural practices. The system is designed to be earthquake-resilient, environmentally responsible, and easy to assemble.
By combining flexibility with permanence, our approach supports self-determined rebuilding while strengthening long-term resilience and ownership.
OUR BUILT PRODUCT
Building a prototype, based on our design, allowed us to test, learn, and refine our design before scaling up. It enabled us to assess Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as a construction material in Türkiye, explore the self-sufficiency of the core unit, and better understand logistics, transport, and production challenges. Our first prototype is located in Karsu Köy, where strong local connections, an urgent need for shelter, and a manageable scale make it an ideal testing ground. Designed and built in the Netherlands with the support of committed partners and donors, the core unit was transported to Hatay in April 2025. While the core unit remains standardized, adaptable room units were assembled on site, in May 2025, allowing each home to respond flexibly to the needs of different families and contexts.
RECENT UPDATES
Completing our first Prototype!
In September 2025, all the final touch ups were made, and the house was completed. Our first family could move in to our long term, modular, earthquake resilient home!
Building our Core Unit
As a team we are proud to say we have completed our Core Unit, and it is now ready for transport to Hatay
Turkiye Fieldtrip #3
During the third fieldtrip, detailed agreements were made, ground analysis were made, and a design workshop was held with the family who the prototype will be design for.
Awarded the Mekel Prize 2025
We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Mekelprijs 2025.
The Mekel Prize recognises the most socially responsible research project or extra-scientific initiative within TU Delft. Whether the founding of an organisation, an impactful event, or any project that demonstrates exceptional commitment to moral and societal values.
Here's to continuing the work, with even more passion and purpose!
Start of the Room Units
On site, during our forth field visit, we worked together with Nilsen to finalise the latest drawings, and to start the construction of the room units.
MEDIA COVERAGE
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Do you want to help us?
Building humane recovery processes requires collaboration. We work together with partners from academia, practice and industry to develop long-term, people-centred solutions.
If you would like to support our work or contribute your expertise, materials, or resources, please get in touch.
