Yurta: The Optimized Yurt
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.15.08
OK, yurts are no longer a bad hippie joke; they are light and efficient and a viable alternative to traditional construction. We have shown traditional Mongolian yurts, learned from David Masters that living in a yurt is quite comfortable, and seen "updated" yurts before; From near Ottawa, Canada comes the Yurta, Marcin Padlewski and Anissa Szeto's reinvention of the traditional nomadic dwelling.
"The main structure, visible on the inside, is made of wood; showcasing the natural feel and aesthetic qualities of the Yurta (such as the frame) The outer covers are sewn with great care and precision and can be made of various materials, like marine canvas or polyesters."- if you compare it to David's Pacific Oregon yurt, it appears far lighter and more open than the more traditional designs.
"The circular space is simply beautiful; combining the finest elements of traditional and modern designs. The structure of the wall, or lattice, is minimized to not only make transport and setup easier, but to add a lighter look and feel to the space. With less structure in the way, windows are accessible and airy…making the indoors of the Yurta feel like an extension of its natural surroundings. The canvas shell allows for a gentle glow with little to obstruct the sounds of its outdoor environment. "
Andrew Braithwaite writes in Azure:
For cladding, Padlewski and Szeto decided against the durable but toxic PVC wraps that dominate the outdoor building market, opting instead for a tightly woven yet breathable cotton duck canvas for the walls and a single piece of acrylic-coated polyester for the roof. Both textiles are UV, mould and fire retardant. Wool felt, backed with a layer of reflective mylar, further insulates the ceiling. "Its warm and psychologically cozy" says Pedlewski.
"The yurt represents movement and living lightly on the earth" says Padlewski. You don't need to over-engineer it" ::Yurta from the ::Bakery Group via ::Azure
yurts can even be done in style! This one was featured on Design Inc.
http://designinc.ca/tr/tr.php?id=3&season=01
Beautiful design of that Yurt. But, how good is the insulation in that cold?
Does anyone else on TreeHugger know Bill Copperthwaite?
http://www.ueastudent.com/archive/items/andrew/view
That is a link to a photo of his home. I was a volunteer in building the Yurt he designed for PSU's Center for Sustainability. All wood, with inner and outer shells. Built entirely of 1x6's and 2x4's. Neat custom door. That thing was like a tank, and it's primary structural support was through tension: the conical roof pushes down on the outward-slanting wall, which is held in place by 1 or 2 steel cables.
Mr. Copperthwaite himself seemed very down-to-Earth. You can only reach him by mail—as in written/typed letters.
These modern material, portable yurts have been around for years. Here are two other companies that make them, including insulation and snow packages.
www.yurts.com
www.advancecanvas.com
Heidi, I think the difference here is no use of toxic (PVC) materials....
Traditional yurt walls and roofs were built with untreated yak wool which is naturally snow/rain/uv/cold resistant and highly thermique. Unfortunately most indeginous living along the Siberian/Mongolia/ Khazhastan borders are been convinced to moved to higher status brick and concrete non-nomadic habitat. It is not too late to help them revert to their traditional warm cosy, higly sustainable and definitively architecturally innovative dwelling plus latest technologies (solar and wind energy, solar water heater ect.) and an international passport system that would truly 'reinvent their traditionally nomadic lifestyle.'
Hello,
I'm so glad to hear that people are still working to innovate and make yurts that are comfortable and environmentally responsible. On our horse-farm (near the French Pyrenees) we have a traditional yurt with wool insulation. It is currently not occupied and needs someone to take care for it. We are eventually still looking for one or two people who'd like to live in our yurt for a while. Rent free for a couple of months on condition that you are ready to build some wooden cabins for shower and dry-toilet facitlties.
More info ? mail us at : karenatjuenredon.net
Hi Garth...I am not sure how that yurt could PVC free...Those windows sure look like Vinyl to me. There really is not another option out there for a clear flexible plastic...