One of Flanders' First Emergency Villages
When thousands of people fled Ukraine in spring 2022, the Flemish government decided, in collaboration with the cities of Antwerp and Mechelen, to build the country's first two emergency villages. Mechelen chose the gravel car park opposite the Nekkerhal, adjacent to the De Nekker recreational domain. On Sunday, 27 March 2022, the first residential containers were delivered there, marking the start of the emergency village's construction, attended by Flemish minister Bart Somers.
Approximately 200 Residential Units, Providing Over 600 Accommodation Places
The city enlisted Idelco for the construction of the residential units. In total, approximately 200 modular living units were installed – 208 accommodation buildings, providing 624 accommodation places, with the potential to scale up to 1,000 people. Each living space was about 38 square metres and furnished for 2 to 8 occupants. Additionally, we installed separate sanitary units with toilets and showers, plus service units for the village's operation.
Installation and Fit-out by Idelco
"We are primarily responsible for the installation of the units and their fit-out. The furnishing of the living spaces is handled by the city," Kris Vermeersch of Idelco stated at the start of the works. As the units arrived, work proceeded on-site for connections to the sewer network, sanitary piping, and utilities. Asphalt paths, landscaping, and a central marquee of over 3,000 square metres, which became the heart of the village with a doctor's practice, a playground, and a communal area, were later added between the units.
From Empty Car Park to Fully-fledged Village in Weeks
Speed was crucial: approximately half of the spaces were ready within two weeks. In early May 2022, the city handed over the keys to Rode Kruis Vlaanderen (Flanders Red Cross), which further equipped and managed the village, and on 17 May, the first residents moved in. The emergency village accommodated around 650 people.
Why Modular Units for Emergency Accommodation?
This project demonstrates where modular construction truly makes a difference: a large number of identical, insulated, and fully equipped residential units produced in series, delivered quickly, and placed on existing hardstanding. When the need passes, the units are dismantled, retrieved, and redeployed elsewhere – without the need for permanent construction. Idelco supplies the same emergency accommodation and housing units to cities, municipalities, emergency services, and governments across Belgium, available for rent or purchase.
