Evaluation of natural building materials in terms of sustainability in post-disaster shelter solutions

Disasters are events that deeply impact the social, economic, and environmental structures of societies, and post-disaster housing solutions play a critical role in meeting the basic needs of disaster victims. This thesis aims to evaluate the use of natural building materials in post-disaster housing solutions from the perspectives of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, and to propose the creation of housing units that are more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and socially beneficial. The hypothesis put forward is that the use of natural materials will enhance environmental sustainability, strengthen cultural adaptation and social acceptance, reduce economic costs, and result in more effective outcomes in permanent housing solutions. In this study, quantitative and qualitative data were evaluated together within the framework of a mixed-methods approach, and literature-based information was systematically obtained. In this context, 108 building examples from both world and Türkiye found in the literature (including temporary and permanent shelter units as well as modern structures made with natural materials) were evaluated within the framework of sustainability criteria. The construction materials used in these buildings were also assessed within the framework of sustainability criteria. The findings indicate that natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and adobe are rarely used in temporary housing units, while reinforced concrete structures constitute the majority of permanent housing units. A large proportion of modern structures built with natural materials were found to be sustainable, and it was determined that the use of local resources reduces carbon emissions and costs. The results suggest that natural building materials can increase environmental, economic, and social sustainability in post-disaster housing solutions, and that the use of mixed natural building materials can improve structural performance.