1.Introduction & Context
In April 2015, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, destroying or severely damaging around 95% of the houses in the remote village of Brabal, located in the Langtang National Park, approximately 100 km northwest of Kathmandu. The disaster left the local population without safe shelter in a region highly exposed to seismic risks and logistical constraints. Following immediate emergency relief provided by the local NGO Sunaulo Sansar, the focus shifted from short-term aid to long-term recovery. The reconstruction effort aimed not only to rebuild homes but to reduce the community’s vulnerability to future earthquakes through safer construction practices adapted to local conditions.
2. Project Goal
The project aimed to rebuild 32 residential houses in Brabal using earthquake-resilient construction techniques while strengthening local capacities for safer building in the future. Guided by the “Build Back Better” approach, the objective was to improve structural safety without abandoning traditional construction methods or locally available materials. Beyond physical reconstruction, the project sought to empower local craftsmen, builders, and residents through knowledge transfer, enabling the community to independently apply earthquake-resistant principles in future construction and contribute to long-term resilience and sustainability.
3. Approach & Technical Solution
IngOG+ collaborated with Sunaulo Sansar to develop a practical construction guideline tailored to Brabal’s specific context. The guideline combined earthquake-resistant design principles with local building traditions and materials. It included general stabilization methods for different construction typologies, as well as context-specific recommendations considering accessibility, logistics, material availability, and cost constraints. The guideline was based on Nepalese Building Codes (NBC 203:1994) and relevant regional standards. Example construction drawings for a model house were developed to illustrate recommended measures. IngOG+ members supported the initial reconstruction phase on site and worked closely with local builders to ensure correct application of the techniques
4. Lessons Learnt & Impact
All destroyed or damaged houses in Brabal were successfully reconstructed under the leadership of Sunaulo Sansar using the developed earthquake-resistant principles. A key outcome was the effective integration of safer construction techniques into local building practices through hands-on training and collaboration. The project demonstrated that seismic resilience can be achieved using local materials when combined with appropriate design and capacity building. Strong partnerships with local actors proved essential for sustainability. While the remote location posed logistical challenges, adapting solutions to local realities was critical to success. The project left the community better equipped to face future seismic risks.
