ISTANBUL

Turkish construction firm Karmod said Wednesday that steel-framed homes offer a resilient and sustainable alternative to traditional reinforced concrete structures in earthquake-prone regions.

Karmod Chairman Mehmet Cankaya stressed that the limited consideration of alternative housing models to concrete structures represents a critical oversight in earthquake preparedness.

"Our country is situated in a significant earthquake zone. It is crucial that we choose housing models designed to withstand seismic activity," Cankaya said.

"After every earthquake, we question the safety of concrete buildings but rarely pursue alternative solutions. Steel houses offer superior protection and should be more widely adopted," he added.

Cankaya emphasized that steel construction not only enhances earthquake resilience but also promotes sustainability.

"Steel structures can be produced and erected without harming the environment," he said. "Steel is highly durable, providing longevity and maintaining structural integrity for decades."

He further noted that steel homes offer significant energy efficiency through better insulation, reducing heating and cooling expenses year-round.

"Steel homes’ superior insulation significantly cuts energy costs compared to concrete alternatives," Cankaya explained.

Highlighting the ease and speed of steel construction, Cankaya said: "Modern technology allows steel to be easily shaped, simplifying the implementation of contemporary architectural designs. Modular steel homes can be assembled up to 70% faster than concrete structures, greatly reducing project timelines."

The company's proposal aims to address Turkiye's long-standing challenges with earthquake preparedness, advocating for steel homes as a safer, more sustainable solution.