The paper considers the problem of maintaining structural integrity of buildings in an earthquake-prone region, Nepal, when the use of seismic bands made from hard wood has been abandoned because of government policy on forestry and a preference for modern materials in construction. The evidence from the earthquake of 2015 does not support the view that traditional structures were uniformly weaker than modern, The traditional structures work well – when properly engineered – and also reflect the cultural diversity of Nepal. They are adapted to sustainable use and designed to be robust.