Disasters - natural as well as man-made - and the resulting need for shelter may occur all over the world. As a result, relief agencies have to manage a diversity of preconditions with regard to the local context and the nature of the disaster. In addition, even within one specific post-disaster situation, the different phases of relief (emergency – transit – reconstruction) are characterized by very different shelter needs. Therefore along each post-disaster recovery process a variety of specific shelter solutions are required that suits the logistical, socio-cultural and economic needs, the local climate, the family size, the livelihoods, etc. Taking into account the complexity of post-disaster shelter support in which relief workers have to manage quick interventions, a great amount of varying parameters and the unknown course of the situation, research has indicated that the static, end-state design of current shelter solutions lacks adaptability; as a result of what they difficultly meet the variety of specific shelter needs and can difficultly support the shelter process. In order to increase the effectiveness and adequacy of post-disaster shelter response a novel and integrated design approach has been developed that aims to support the various shelter and settlement options and to sustain the process from aid to sustainable development. The suggested approach relies on the design of adaptable, versatile and compatible construction systems and shelter kits. Based on a holistic research method, the feasibility of the presented concept and the construction systems has been investigated in my doctoral thesis by means of field investigation, design-based research, structural analysis calculations and experimental investigation – comprising laboratory tests and prototype field testing. Current research concentrates on the improvement and elaboration of the presented design approach. Attention is given to the integration of diverse local materials and the interchangeability with different (local) construction systems and techniques.