The 'Sikami Chhen' (Woodcarver's House), a reconstructed residential structure, sustained severe damage during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, rendering it structurally unsound and uninhabitable. The building subsequently required significant structural interventions to address its compromised stability. The house is located on the western outskirts of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, with access through an underpass to a communal courtyard. While it has limited frontage facing the courtyard, the entrance leads to a welcoming backyard. Originally, with its foundations dating back approximately two centuries, it underwent numerous modifications over the years, rendering it incompatible with contemporary living standards. The only viable solution was a comprehensive reconstruction, and the task was carried out by Mr.Indrakaji Shilpakar, a renowned woodcarver, who understood the importance of preserving this heritage with traditional art and craftsmanship.

Mr. Shilpakar and his son, deeply passionate about Newari art and culture, had been actively involved in heritage restoration projects in the Kathmandu Valley. They envisioned a residence that would not only offer a comfortable space for their small family but also portray traditional architectural features. The newly constructed residence was meticulously designed to serve both functional and cultural needs. It incorporated a dedicated workshop, exhibition areas for woodcraft, an open courtyard, and architectural elements rooted in traditional building practices. This space provided an ideal setting for the residents to display their generational legacy of woodcarving artistry. Structurally, the house adhered to load-bearing masonry principles, ensuring harmony with its heritage surroundings while maintaining contemporary functionality.

Initially preferring mud mortar for the brick masonry walls, the regulatory constraints limiting the structure to two stories made it to work on cement mortar to achieve the desired layout extending the house to three and a half stories while complying with building code structural requirements. This approach helped maintain the distinctive features of various floors in a traditional Newar house such as the ground floor as "Chhidi", first floor with private rooms as "Maatan", living room on the second floor as "Chota" while the uppermost level as "Baiga," with the attic space (Dhuri) over it. Each floor was connected with a single-flight timber stair. Balconies on the second and third floors provided a direct view of the backyard. The interior spaces cleverly integrated wooden pillars, wall cabinets, and 'Gwakhan' openings, enhancing functionality and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The house successfully reflects the traditional style of Bhaktapur core city while respecting the surrounding urban fabric. The design achieves authenticity and appropriateness by utilizing locally sourced materials and indigenous construction techniques and minimum ornamentation in woodcarving. Every detail, from the carved door and window designs to wooden pillar engravings and roof construction techniques, was executed with precision to ensure that the house seamlessly blended with its historical context.

The preservation of the authentic Newa architecture along with earthquake safety requirements was balanced while reconstructing this house. To comply with Nepal's earthquake-resistant building codes, which recommend cement mortar and reinforcement bars for taller buildings, modern materials and techniques were employed along with timber structure during the reconstruction. This decision aligns with both safety regulations and the preservation of traditional elements. The use of cement mortar, brick masonry with steel reinforcement, and concrete bands vertically and horizontally, not only strengthens the structure but also improves its resilience. This approach prioritizes the safety of occupants in a region prone to earthquakes. Additionally, the incorporation of timber members, such as beams, columns, and trusses, known for their strength and durability, adds inherent structural stability. Traditional joinery techniques, like mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joint and other mitered and rebate joints further enhance the building's integrity. The flexibility of wood allows it to absorb and dissipate energy during seismic events, reducing the risk of structural failure. This, combined with the fibrous nature of timber, provides resilience as the material can deform and adjust under stress without compromising stability. The reconstructed house maintains its historical and cultural significance by preserving the traditional facades, timber carvings, load-bearing walls, and other traditional components. Adhering to Nepalese building codes ensures the structure's safety, while the integration of modern and traditional techniques, such as interlocking timber elements and steel reinforcement, adds strength. These codes are informed by scientific research and lessons learned from past earthquakes. The incorporation of steel reinforcement concrete bands vertically and horizontally in the masonry construction further fortifies the house against seismic forces.

Furthermore, the design embraced energy-efficient principles by incorporating vernacular building techniques. The house incorporated thick walls for thermal insulation, roofing materials bound with clay mortar, and a strategic south orientation to harness the benefits of passive solar design. Lime Surkhi mortar on the elevations enhanced its durability, while the application of oil on old or new wooden elements guaranteed their longevity.

Sikami Chhen stands not just as a reconstructed house, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition, art, skill, and innovation, all coexisting harmoniously under one roof. Because of its transformative practice of reconstructing the house after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake by preserving its historical context and traditional form, Sikami Chhen was announced as a special recognition for sustainable development in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2023.