Investigating the Applicability of Prefabricated Modular Façade Systems for the Rapid Construction of Post-Disaster Permanent Housing

The increasing demand for permanent post-disaster housing highlights the need for rapid and high-quality construction methods. This study investigates the feasibility of prefabricated modular façade systems in accelerating post-disaster permanent housing construction, while maintaining cost efficiency and construction quality. Unlike previous studies that primarily focus on fully modular building systems, this research examines façade-level prefabrication as an intermediate and scalable strategy that can be integrated into conventional post-disaster housing construction. A mixed-methods approach was adopted: semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 industry stakeholders, and thematic analysis was applied to extract qualitative insights. Subsequently, a quantitative survey involving 366 construction professionals was carried out and statistically analyzed to validate the findings. Additionally, case studies from previous post-disaster reconstruction efforts were reviewed to contextualize the results. The findings reveal that prefabricated modular façade systems improve construction speed, implementation efficiency, and quality control. Evidence from semi-structured interviews, the survey of 366 construction professionals, and representative case-project comparisons consistently supported the applicability of façade-level prefabrication in post-disaster housing delivery. Most participants also noted quality control benefits inherent to factory-based production. However, the study identifies several limitations, including challenges related to cost and workforce training. The research contributes to the evolving discourse on disaster-responsive housing policies and provides strategic recommendations to enhance the adoption of modular façade technologies in construction practices.