Retrofitting of Nyulakahang Gumpa
- Type
- Heritage retrofitting
- Location
- Gangtok, East Sikkim
- Year
- 2025
Structural retrofitting of a monastery more than 100 years old, strengthening its columns while preserving its character.
The challenge
Like many heritage structures in Sikkim, the gumpa was built long before modern seismic codes, and its columns had to carry loads well beyond what they were originally detailed for. Demolition was out of the question: the building had to be preserved and kept in use as a place of worship.
What we did
- Assessment of the existing structure and its load path
- Retrofit design for the critical columns
- Reinforced concrete jacketing of columns to increase strength and ductility
- Phased execution so the structure remained supported throughout
The outcome
The strengthened columns give the gumpa greater capacity under both everyday and earthquake loads, extending the life of an important cultural landmark.
