In the aftermath of a devastating apartment fire that displaced over 200 residents, the town council of Maple Grove, Illinois approved permitting for Lida Group to construct an emergency temporary shelter using their innovative Kaiser panel building system. The blaze, caused by an electrical malfunction, completely gutted three floors of the aging Maple Heights apartment complex, leaving many families without home just before the holidays.

Responding immediately, the town and Red Cross sought swift solutions for temporary housing. “Our priority was finding a safe, weather-resistant refuge for residents until more permanent arrangements could be made,” said Maple Grove Mayor Robert Johnson. “Lida Group proposed utilizing their Kaiser panel construction method, which proved optimally suited thanks to speed of deployment, non-combustibility and overall resilience.”

The Kaiser panel system employs standard modular building panels comprised of galvanized steel sheet fitted with an internal insulation core and exterior finish. Panels interconnect with one another using compression gasket seals, folding joints and interlocking splines for leak-proof assembly. Their light gauge nature allows for easy transportation and handling. Furthermore, steel prevents the risk of fire spread while delivering strength to withstand high winds, snow loads and other exposures.

Lida Group transported 75 pre-assembled Kaiser panels via flatbed truck and constructed a 3,000 square foot one-story shelter within 48 hours of receiving approval. Panels were simply interconnected on a prepared concrete foundation pad using their proprietary “link-lock” joints. Despite frigid December temperatures, workers safely and rapidly enclosed the building in a single day. Interior panels provided immediate privacy and protection from the elements for temporary living quarters.

Once enclosed, electricians rapidly outfitted the structure with basic wiring, lights and outlets. Over the following days, plumbers added restrooms and a commercial kitchen so residents would have access to basic sanitary facilities and a communal area for preparing meals. Fully insulated walls, roof and flooring maintained a comfortable interior environment well suited for short term habitation through the coldest months ahead without fossil fuel consumption.

Compared to canvas tents, RVs or other impermanent options, the Kaiser panel shelter provided premium defense against heat loss, precipitation, gale force winds and snow accumulation typical of Midwest winters. Being non-combustible, it eliminated dangers from accidental cooking fires or other hazards that often plague temporary displaced housing. Modular design allowed simple extension or reconfiguration too if prolonged occupancy was later required.

Integral Building Information Modeling (BIM) ensured fast, precise on-site assembly without errors. Pre-engineered electrical and plumbing openings, chases and interconnection details shaved days from completion timelines versus conventional construction. Movability allows relocating the shelter as a cohesive unit if future needs outpace occupancy or alternate land becomes available with minimal re-work. At project end, components can be disassembled, cleaned and redeployed elsewhere.

To maximize utility, thin polyurethane spray foam sealed all panel interfaces for superior air and moisture barrier performance beyond code. This afforded an airtight, draft-free indoor environment conducive to wellness and energy efficiency given the temporary nature of the shelter’s needs. Strategic natural lighting, passive solar heating and operable windows balanced occupant comfort with reducing operational carbon footprint. Photovoltaic lighting provided emergency back-up power reliability too.

Going forward, Lida Group has committed to work closely with the town and nonprofits on supportive services for residents based at the emergency shelter through the duration of temporary housing needs over coming seasons as permanent reconstruction proceeds. Weekly food deliveries supplement the communal kitchen. Case managers help residents access social services, healthcare, job placement assistance and children’s programming on-site. Donated furnishings, bedding, books and games have activated common areas into a cohesive community support hub.

Overall, the modular steel shelter has exceeded expectations for safe, viable temporary housing through its weatherproof, non-combustible and expandable design deployed rapidly via prefabrication. Affordable to construct, maintain and relocate or reuse, the system epitomizes the durability and community benefits achievable through off-site building methods. For Mayor Johnson, “Partnering with Lida Group has been crucial amidst this difficult time, demonstrating what’s possible when innovative construction techniques meet pressing civic needs with compassion.”

In summary, Lida Group’s portable Kaiser panel building system provided an ideal non-combustible, weatherproof solution for temporarily housing over 200 displaced residents after a devastating apartment fire. Within two days of approval, a 3,000 square foot shelter was fully enclosed using prefabricated modular steel panels interconnected via proprietary joints. Rapid on-site construction minimized safety risks for occupants through the coldest months ahead while integrated design optimizes comfort, efficiency, and flexibility if needs change. Long-term, the town has gained a resilient resource for future emergencies through partnership with Lida Group applying advanced off-site methods delivering community benefit where most needed.

Contact us, please click here!