Yurts, often found in the mountains of Mongolia and Central Asia, are traditionally made from wood and felt. They were originally used as portable dwellings for nomadic tribes who migrated across their territory. Traditionally, yurts were circular with a cone-shaped roof supported by poles. But yurts have evolved over time to be more durable and versatile than ever before. Today, they can be found all over the world—from campgrounds to mountain lodges to city backyards.
What is Yurt?
A yurt is a round, portable tent with a cone-shaped roof. It originated in Mongolia where nomads used the structure as both a dwelling and a shelter. Yurts are made from wood, canvas, and rope by tying together the wooden lattice frame that forms the circular shape of the yurt. The lattice work allows air to circulate inside of it so heat can be kept at bay during cold weather and also makes for great ventilation in summer months when warm air needs to escape (similarly to how tents work).
Yurts are very easy to disassemble and reassemble; you can easily move them around your property or transport them if you wanted to use them as temporary housing on vacation. This makes them great for all kinds of situations including camping trips and backyard parties. Having your own yurt will allow you to take advantage of all these benefits while still having plenty of space inside because they’re not overly large like those tents people set up at parks during festivals or fairs.
History of the Yurt?
You may wonder what the history of the yurt is and whether it’s a recent development or a version of something that has been around for centuries. Fortunately, this type of tent did not come into being yesterday: it has been used by nomadic tribes in Asia for thousands of years.
The first record of a yurt comes from an ancient Tibetan manuscript called The Book of Secret Correspondences and Enigmas. In this text, there are illustrations of what appears to be a Mongolian nomad using his portable tent to hunt animals in his native land—a far cry from its modern incarnation as an alternative housing option.
However, it was only after Genghis Khan rose to power that people began to consider constructing their own mobile homes based on these tents—and by doing so would alter how we view travel today. As part of his military strategy (and perhaps because he was tired from walking), Genghis ordered all soldiers who moved with him during battle time periods should carry these types of dwellings with them at all times just in case they needed them on short notice.
What is the Purpose of a Yurt?
Yurts are used for a variety of purposes. They can be used as a home, guest house, studio, workshop, or office. The structure is also used for meditation and prayer.
The circular shape of the yurt is ideal for these purposes because it creates an intimate space when compared to square or rectangular buildings that usually require more space to achieve the same effect. Additionally, since yurts are semi-permanent structures they can be constructed on your land rather than bringing in a prefabricated building from somewhere else (which would likely have been built off-site).
What is a Yurt made of?
Yurts are generally made of wood and fabric—most often canvas or calico. The wooden poles that support the yurt’s roof are called “poles,” not “spars.” They’re usually held together with lashings or grommets, although they can also be attached by other means such as metal fittings or traditional methods such as pegs.
The yurt’s fabric roof is called a “tent” in Mongolian culture. It’s supported by four main poles running from wall to wall that cross at the top, creating an opening for smoke to escape from the central hearth. Yurts have three walls: two side panels (one on each side of this central axis), and one rear panel with an open front porch; these three walls form an enclosure around which you’ll find yourself sitting during summer evenings spent under torchlight.
Wooden lattice panels make up your fourth wall (and also provide ventilation). These lattices can be covered entirely in fabric if desired; however, it’s common for them only to go halfway up so that air can flow freely through the room without allowing bugs inside.
How to construct a Yurt?
The first step is to read the instructions. If you don’t, you’ll end up putting the frame together backward and it’s going to be harder than it needs to be.
Next, make sure that you have all of the right tools for construction. You will want a hammer, screwdriver, and two pairs of pliers. Also, make sure that there are enough people who can help put it together so that everything goes smoothly and gets done in time.
When constructing your yurt it’s important not only that you have enough materials but also money left over after purchasing them as well. Not having enough money can lead to trouble later on down the line because then maybe something breaks down inside or outside which would cause more problems than just paying extra money now instead.
Build the base
You’ll need to construct a base for your yurt, which should be built with pressure-treated lumber. This will serve as the foundation for both the frame and the floor of your yurt. To ensure that everything is level, use concrete to level out the base.
Before you begin building this part, make sure that all materials are ready and within easy reach. If you’re using a power saw or other heavy equipment, make sure it’s on-site so that you don’t have to carry it there later.
Install the door frame and the lattice wall
The next step is to install the door frame and lattice wall. The door frame should already be attached to the yurt, but you’ll need to attach the lattice wall. To do this, first, find a level spot above the doorway where you want your lattice wall to go. Then hammer two nails through each corner of the lattice into that spot until they’re secure.
If your yurt has been placed on an uneven floor surface or ground area, it might not be perfectly level—that’s why we installed our lattice wall over an even surface earlier in this process. If necessary, use shims underneath any corners of your lattice as needed so that everything is level when complete.
Install the rafters
To install the rafters, follow these steps:
- With a rope and pulley system, lift up each rafter to the top of your structure. Make sure that you use a ladder to reach them.
- Use a saw to cut them to size if they are too long or short for your yurt’s dimensions.
- Use a hammer and nails to nail them into place along with their corresponding wall pieces until all four sides have been installed.
Cover the yurt
The next step is to cover the yurt. One of the most popular options is a tarp, canvas or other waterproof fabric. This can be used as a rainfly to protect the yurt from rain and snow, or as a roof overhang that allows airflow through the structure. Other materials include sailcloth and waterproof tarps like those used on boats.
If you choose to have windows in your yurt, make sure they are well-ventilated for airflow and protection from insects (especially during the summer months). Install doors for ventilation during colder months when open windows may not be enough to keep warm inside your home.
Install the lighting
You can use LED lights, battery-powered, solar-powered, or rope lights to create a beautiful glow inside your yurt.
Rope lights are more affordable than other options but have a more limited lifespan. LED and battery-powered options are typically more expensive but last longer with less maintenance required. Solar-powered units are the most environmentally friendly choice, but they require an initial investment in the solar panels themselves before you will see any savings on your energy bill.
How much does a yurt cost?
The cost of a yurt depends on the size, style, and materials used. Yurts are generally not cheap but they are an investment that pays off in the long run.
The cost of a yurt can be split into two parts: the cost of materials and labor. The total amount will depend on where you live, how much land you need to build it on, and whether or not you want any extras like electricity or running water.
Why are Yurts So Popular?
- They are lightweight and portable.
- They are easy to build.
- They save energy by providing natural insulation, passive solar design, and efficient equipment use.
- They’re comfortable: the yurt’s circular floor plan is ideal for communal living and active socializing, with plenty of space for chairs, tables, or benches inside the round walls.
Yurts are affordable too—which means you can own your very own yurt for less than the price of most traditional houses (and then sell it later on when you move again).
And finally, there’s sustainability: Yurts last a long time—from 50-100 years—thanks to their sturdy construction from durable materials like wood or canvas; they’re easy to transport when your lifestyle changes; they’re fast and simple to assemble/disassemble so you can construct them anywhere in minutes without needing any heavy machinery (which saves money on fuel costs).
Modern Yurt vs Traditional Yurt
You may be wondering, “What’s the difference between a modern yurt and a traditional one?”
The answer is simple. Modern yurts are more insulated, have a higher quality of materials, and can be equipped with modern conveniences such as electricity and plumbing. They are also easier to transport in large pieces that can be assembled on site.
Traditional yurts have the same basic structure: an outer frame made of latticed wood or bamboo rods held together by crossbars called “sill poles” that sit directly on the ground; an inner round wall made from canvas or felt panels tightly joined at their edges; a door flap that opens inward; a central smoke hole above your head; no flooring in most cases (you put carpeting down on top of wooden pallets); and windows near your head level for ventilation.
Conclusion
Yurts are a great option for anyone looking to live in a more sustainable way. They can be used as homes, offices, and even retail stores. Yurts have many benefits over traditional building materials like wood or brick. They are lightweight but strong enough to withstand high winds and earthquakes. Their modular design makes them easy to transport and assemble anywhere you want them to go.
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