What is a Yurt? : A crash course on the 'Groovy Yurt'
A yurt or ger in Mongolia, is the traditional dwelling of Central Asian nomads. More than a tent, the yurt is the result of ancient savoir-faire and has been developed over thousands of years. Made to resist extreme climates, the yurt’s shape and insulative properties keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The yurt is self-supporting, easily dismantled, and extremely portable.
The structure requires neither nail nor ground fastening. Its walls consist of crossed wooden strips in a lattice arrangement fixed together in a circle by braided horsehair. In the center of the yurt is a dome that is traditionally referred to as a toono. The toono is mounted on 2 or 4 wooden pillars known as bagaans. Traditionally, 81 roof rafters, referred to as huns, make up a 5-wall yurt. These huns act as roof rafters that slide into chiseled notches of the toono, thus creating the frame. The number of walls determines the size of the yurt and dictates the diameter of the circle.
The Yurt’s Covers from Inside Out:
- cotton liner
- 100% sheep wool felt insulation
- waterproof vapour barrier (house wrap)
- insulated exterior top flap (the urgh)
- decorative skirt (the rayartch)
- water-resistant exterior canvas (60% cotton, 40% polyester)
Common Yurt Uses:
Yurts are incredibly adaptable, multi-functional structures that can be customized for nearly any use. A few of the wide myriad of uses that our clients include off-grid living, temporary housing, guest accommodations, resorts, Airbnb and glamping sites, yoga studio, healing and meditation space, nature school, agricultural and trade show, hunting lodge, cozy ski-in and ski-out chalet, unique space to relax with family and friends.
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