In light of the Syrian conflict, the project addresses the devastation of ordinary buildings encompassing elements of the day-to-day life of civilians, in particular destroyed homes and shops of people who seek to return to their homeland. Syria’s recovery process faces major obstacles where reconstruction funds are deviated towards areas that benefit the authoritarian regime, compelling Syrians to bear the repair of their homes themselves. Around 40% of the dwellings in Syria are informal housing as a response to the housing crisis. Despite the severe destruction, many of these buildings made of generic reinforced concrete structures remain moderately damaged making them feasible for rehabilitation. Placed in Baba Amr in the city of Homs, this proposal can serve as an example for a locally driven recovery process. The project follows a modest approach of make do with by assessing the resulting spaces from the previous destruction, allowing for typological adaptations as well as looking at onsite materials such as concrete rubble and steel rebars while also incorporating resources from shelter kits of external aid. As part of the rebuilding process, the ground level accommodates a steel and construction workshop along with a spice shop, grocery store and a popular eatery as key elements for reactivating the social fabric. Important aspects of the local domestic lifestyle; modesty, privacy and hospitality were considered for the rehabilitation of the housing spaces.