In 2015 an earthquake hit Nepal, destroying the homes of 2.8 million people, and damaging 7,000 schools. Most of the damage occurred in rural areas. During the rebuild, many western techniques and materials (concrete) were used. As a result, timber construction is at risk of disappearing in these communities. Local knowledge of how to build with timber is also in danger of becoming lost for future generations.

Building resilience, improving the quality of life, and retaining cultural values are essential to address disaster-affected areas.

Kisipidi Community Centre was built with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals and Building Back Better. It identifies that the restoration of physical structures and social systems is the driver of reconstruction and recovery within a community.