Yurts - Living in the Round. Accommodation or Studio?

What is a Yurt?

A Yurt is a traditional nomadic structure of the Mongolian people. Yurts are often described as the bridge between a tent and a building. The majority of the Mongolian population still live in Yurts. (In Monglia a Yurt is know as a "Ger")

Here is a video of our Yurt inside and out:

• There are many varieties of Yurts with many suppliers. I did a lot of research before sourcing my structure. (It's an obsession!) There's a whole range of issues to consider. Quality, ethics and suitability were among the most important for me.
• English made Yurts (normally "Bent Wood" - giving a curved roof shape,) tend to be very expensive and normally have just a single canvas cover. They are almost always ethically produced and locally sourced however.
• Mongolian Yurts tend to be much heavier structures with lager crown wheels letting in lots of light. Mongolian Yurt covers normally consist of multiple layers including felted sheep wool for insulation. On the downside, Mongolian Yurts often suffer from poor quality construction, toxic materials (...the lead paint) and generally unethically sourced wood and labour. Mongolian Yurts are rarely designed to hold up in our damp English climate which commonly results in leaks and mould.
• The structure I used is a Mongolian Yurt, but one that is produced specifically for our climate. To me it seemed to tick all the boxes. It is produced by an English guy called Tim who has lived in Mongolia for many years improving production in his own workshop. Although similar in appearance and still implementing traditional design techniques and materials (horse hair ropes, Yak hide fasteners etc.) This Yurt is fundamentally different under the surface. The layered covers of the structure provide Hi Tech solutions for weather resistance and breath-ability. The four layers keep everything warm, cosy and quiet inside. The wood is all legally sourced and the workers respected and cared for.
• Click HERE Have a look a look at Tim's website, it's full of great information.
• Tim displays some of our Yurt pictures in the gallery on his website.

There was an old shed on the site where this yurt was to be erected:

The decking and preparation

• After breaking down the old old shed and clearing some space a raised floor was made. (See above)
• Being off the floor makes the space feel more solid, keeps it warmer and dryer and stops insects and other creepy crawlies from joining in the fun.
• This decking (above) was made from old shipping pallets that were attained for free from a local farmer.
• The pallet decking was then covered with a PVC damp proof membrane and then had a nine piece handmade floor board decking placed on top, this can be seen here:

 

Here's the yurt once it was erected

The interior