What is yurt? (History and Purpose)
A yurt is a portable, circular tent-like structure that is covered and insulated with skins or felt. It is traditionally used as a dwelling.
What is a yurt?
A yurt, also known as a ger, is a circular, portable tent traditionally used by nomadic people in Central Asia, including Mongolia, Tibet, and Kazakhstan. Yurts are made from a collapsible wooden frame, covered with felt or canvas, and held in place with ropes and tension bands. They are designed to be easily dismantled and transported, making them ideal for a mobile lifestyle.
History of yurts
The origins of the yurt can be traced back to the ancient Turkic-Mongolian tribes who roamed the Central Asian steppe thousands of years ago. The yurt was an essential part of their nomadic lifestyle, providing them with a portable and durable shelter that could withstand the harsh climate of the region. Over time, the design of the yurt evolved, with different variations appearing in different parts of Central Asia.
Modern-day yurts
Today, yurts are still used by nomadic people in Central Asia, but they have also become popular as alternative housing options in other parts of the world. Modern-day yurts are often used as vacation homes, glamping sites, and even as permanent residences.
Why choose a yurt?
Yurts offer a number of benefits over traditional housing options. Here are just a few:
- Durability: Yurts are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Portability: Yurts can be easily dismantled and transported, making them ideal for those who want to live a mobile lifestyle.
- Energy efficiency: Yurts are designed to be energy-efficient, with excellent insulation that helps to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Affordability: Yurts are often much cheaper than traditional homes, making them an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Unique design: Yurts offer a unique and interesting living space, with a circular design that provides a sense of openness and spaciousness.
Building a yurt
Building a yurt is a complex process that requires some specialized knowledge and skills. Here are the basic steps involved in building a yurt:
- Build the frame: The frame of the yurt is made from wooden lattice walls and a circular crown. The lattice walls are made up of a series of wooden poles that are connected with metal brackets.
- Cover the frame: Once the frame is in place, it is covered with a layer of felt or canvas. The covering is held in place with ropes and tension bands.
- Install the door and windows: The door and windows are installed in the walls of the yurt.
- Add insulation: Insulation is added to the walls and roof of the yurt to help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Add interior finishes: The interior of the yurt can be finished with a variety of materials, including wood paneling, drywall, or plaster.
How much does a yurt cost?
The cost of a yurt can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including its size, materials, and features. Generally speaking, a basic yurt can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Smaller, more basic yurts designed for backyard use or camping can be purchased for as little as a few thousand dollars. These yurts typically have a diameter of around 12-16 feet and come with a basic set of features, such as a canvas or felt covering, wooden lattice walls, and a simple door and window.
Larger, more elaborate yurts designed for year-round living can cost significantly more. These yurts may have a diameter of 20 feet or more and come with a range of features, such as insulation, heating and cooling systems, and plumbing. The cost of these yurts can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more.
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of a yurt doesn’t include the cost of land or any necessary site improvements, such as a foundation or septic system. These costs can vary widely depending on your location and the specific requirements of your site.
Overall, while yurts can be an affordable housing option compared to traditional homes, they still require a significant investment of time and money. It’s important to do your research and carefully consider your budget and needs before deciding if a yurt is the right choice for you.
What is a yurt made of
A yurt is a portable, circular dwelling made of a lattice of flexible poles and covered in felt or other fabric. The structure consists of a flexible angled assembly or latticework of wood or bamboo for walls, a door frame, ribs (poles, rafters), and a wheel (crown). Traditional yurts had lattice walls made from willow, birch, or poplar saplings fastened together using leather thongs, while modern yurts are typically made from wool felt draped over a wooden structure.
What is the Purpose of a Yurt?
The purpose of a yurt is to provide a portable and comfortable shelter for nomadic people who need to move frequently with their herds or for any other reasons. Yurts were traditionally used by Central Asian nomads such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz as a dwelling places, but they also served as gathering spaces for families and communities.
The design of the yurt is well-suited to the nomadic lifestyle, as it can be easily assembled and disassembled, and is light and portable. The use of natural materials such as wood and felt provided insulation against the extreme temperatures of the Central Asian steppes, and the central opening in the roof allowed for ventilation and the escape of smoke from a fire pit in the center.
In modern times, yurts have become popular as recreational dwellings for camping and glamping. They provide a unique and cozy accommodation option for those who want to experience the outdoors while still having access to modern amenities.
Overall, the purpose of the yurt has always been to provide a comfortable and practical living space for people on the move, whether for necessity or recreation.
Yurt vs Ger
The main difference between a yurt and a ger is in the roof. A ger has a roof made of straight poles attached to the circular crown, while a yurt’s roof is made of curved poles. The word ‘yurt’ is of Turkic origin and means ‘home’ or ‘where one sleeps’.
Conclusion
Yurts offer a unique and interesting housing option for those who are looking for something a little bit different. They are durable, portable, energy-efficient, and affordable, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. Building a yurt requires some specialized knowledge and skills, but with the right tools and resources, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. So if you’re looking for a new housing option, why not consider a yurt?
