Yurt Homes

In North America, yurts are defined by their roof structure. The yurt roof incorporates a unique architectural design. Roof poles or rafters meet in a center ring, where gravity produces an inward and downward pressure. The center ring holds the rafters in a state of compression. Where the rafters meet the wall at the perimeter, a natural outward thrust occurs. A band (of rope, woven cloth or wire cable) at the top of the wall integrates the wall and roof structure and holds the roof poles or rafters in tension against this outward pressure.

In Europe, yurts are defined by their traditional Central Asian counterparts, meaning that in Europe yurts are portable trellis-walled homes with either a Turkic or Mongolian roof structure and door frame. Coverings are usually canvas, though some yurt builders are using felt as a middle layer.

Because of this combination of the central compression ring at the top of the roof and the encircling tension band where the roof meets the wall, long roof spans are possible without any internal support system (like posts, trusses or beams). This gives the yurt an uncommon feeling of spaciousness and uplift. The roof design also creates an incredibly strong and resilient structure that is uniquely equipped to withstand earthquakes, strong winds and heavy snow loads.

Yurts have many advantages, both tangible and intangible. An ancient nomadic shelter, yurts provide a reprieve from the rectilinear excesses of modern culture and remind us, through their circular form, of the unity and interconnectedness of all things. Versatile, beautiful and spiritual, both traditional and contemporary versions provide shelter that is affordable, accessible and gentle to the earth.

Modern fabric yurts cost about what one might spend on a new car in the US, or $5,000 to $20,000 (depending on yurt size and options added to the package).

Yurts are eminently accessible-once the platform is built, it takes one or two days for a crew of 4-5 to put up a fabric yurt.

Yurts are also flexible, with numerous possible uses from homes to studios and guest spaces. To have a shelter that can be put up quickly and then taken down and moved as one's situation changes is also a distinct advantage in our transient culture.

The portability and affordability of the fabric yurts make them an attractive option for people who want to experiment with community living before making a long term commitment and large financial investment. The flexible nature of the yurt works well for intentional communities, where it can be used to meet a variety of needs over time (e.g., meeting space, housing and yoga studio).

Being round, yurts make better use of space than their rectilinear counterparts, are more efficient to heat, and provide less wind resistance. The roof structure, with its compression ring and tension band, is an amazing architectural design providing a great deal of strength and requiring no internal support system, thereby leaving the yurt open and spacious inside.

The rounded yurt fits into its natural surroundings more easily than rectilinear buildings, and the Central Asian and fabric yurts leave a very small footprint. Fabric yurts provide a healthy option for people with chemical sensitivities because of the less-toxic materials used and more frequent air exchange. They are also aesthetically attractive-a warm, embracing, nourishing structure.

The healing, creative, communal and spiritual nature of yurts is broadly recognized. Yurts seem especially suited to certain pursuits. They are often used in retreat centers and for the healing arts, meditation, spiritual practices, dancing and community gatherings. People seem to sleep better in yurts, and often dream more.

In hot, sunny climates you will want to choose the full insulation package (which does a great job of keeping the heat out), the tinted dome option (which reduces the solar gain significantly) along with installing fans or an air conditioner. Some yurts come standard with an opening skylight and screened opening windows for excellent ventilation. Some yurt owners have used swamp coolers and even heat pumps to cool their yurts. If you do not have power, there are some great solar fans available.

Any exterior decking should be at least 5" below the interior floor of the yurt to avoid floor leaks. This allows the side cover of the yurts to hang below floor level and secure to the platform. This attachment firmly secures the side cover to the platform and provides a weather-tight seal.

Typically, electrical wiring in a yurt is fed through the deck platform (floor) by a licensed electrician. Outlets can be flush mounted in the floor of the yurt or on support posts around the perimeter of the wall. If interior partition walls are added to the yurt, electrical wiring can easily be run into these walls where outlets and switches can be mounted. If electrical service is not available at your site, consider photovoltaic (solar) systems or propane systems (lights, refrigeration, heating, cook stoves, etc.).

Yurts are typically installed on a platform elevated at least 18"-24" which will provide a crawl space for accessing plumbing, wiring or storage.

Most conventional methods of heating will work in a Rainier yurt. Customers have used wood, pellet and propane stoves, central heating, electric heaters and even radiant floor heating. If you use central heating or a heat pump, ductwork can be professionally installed under the floor of the yurt. When using a stove, it should be vented through the sidewall of the yurt, not through the roof. There are many benefits to venting through the wall, which include easy access to the chimney for regular cleaning, having the chimney away from the yurt's roof (to minimize the soot that falls onto the roof) and keeping an open floor plan. Note that if you put the stove pipe through the roof you will void the roof warranty. When venting through the side wall, proper wall penetration must be followed to prevent heat damage -- contact Rainier for additional information. If you plan to use your yurt in a colder climate we recommend that you insulate both the roof and walls of your yurt, as well as the platform. In really cold climates, many yurt dwellers double the insulation in the walls and use a SIP deck for the platform.

Kitchens have been added to yurts in a variety of fashions, usually with standard cabinets and counters. If you wish to have a custom curved counter along the wall of the yurt, you can usually utilize smaller standard cabinets set at slight angles. Customers who have framed a bathroom into the yurt will often put the kitchen against one of these interior walls so the plumbing can be installed into the partition wall and shared between the kitchen and bathroom.

You can use off-the-shelf cabinets, sinks, refrigerators and stoves. If you would like to vent your cook stove you can vent through the floor. Many people choose to cook on a propane stove. Keep in mind that a by-product of burning propane is water vapor and remember to open windows and the skylight in your yurt to minimize any build-up of moist air. If you are off the grid, there are excellent on-demand hot water heaters, propane refrigerators, propane stoves and more.

Virtually any type of lighting can be used in a yurt. Customers have installed track lighting on the rafters, overhead lights to the center ring, floor or table lamps and propane lights, among other things. Many prefer the safety of low voltage lighting in their yurts. Please contact local lighting professionals or your Rainier representative for ideas.

Plumbing can easily be brought up through the floor of the yurt, or you may install plumbing in interior walls after it is brought through the floor. If your site has plumbing and septic hookups, you can use standard fixtures. In remote areas, people often use composting toilets and alternative gray water systems.

Many people with larger yurts choose to build a bathroom inside their yurt. This could be done (after the yurt is installed) in much the same manner as in a conventional site-built structure and is typically done by a local licensed contractor. The plumbing would be brought up through the floor of the yurt into the bathroom. Venting from the bathroom can be accomplished with downdraft vents through the floor or through the wall of the yurt using a flashing kit. Proper ventilation will reduce moisture inside the yurt and prevent condensation. Many customers choose to build a separate bathhouse for their shower, toilet, tub and laundry and add a covered walkway, breezeway or enclosed hallway between the yurt and the bathhouse.