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
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