What’s so special about yurts?

Yurts are the most ancient nomadic shelter. This means that the basic yurt design has been tested and proven effective against the worlds most harsh weather conditions.

• The modern yurt utilizes an age old design and the strength, durability, and availability of modern technology.

• With elegant fabric options, natural stains and finishing oils, yurt spaces are unique and beautiful and offer an elegant option for a shelter that is truly sustainable and earth friendly.

Yurts have numerous possible uses. The yurt can be put up quickly and then taken down and moved as one’s situation changes. This is a distinct advantage as the need for a transient lifestyle increases.

• Once the platform is built, it takes one or two days for a crew of 4-5 to put up a fabric yurt.

• It is not uncommon to build a large yurt with platform and get it set up in less than two weeks with this same 4-5 person crew.

The portability of a yurt makes them an attractive option for people who want to experiment with community living before making a long term commitment. The flexibility of use works well for intentional communities, where it can be used to meet a variety of needs over time (e.g., meeting space, housing and yoga studio).

• Its round shape makes better use of space than the rectilinear counterparts.

• They are more efficient to heat, and provide less wind resistance.

• The roof structure, with its compression ring and tension band, provides a great deal of strength and requires no internal support system, thereby leaving the yurt open and spacious inside.

• Fabric yurts offer a natural option for people with chemical sensitivities because of the less-toxic materials used and more frequent air exchange.

The healing, creative, communal and spiritual attributes of yurts are broadly recognized. Yurts seem especially suited to certain pursuits. They are often used in retreat centers for healing arts, meditation, spiritual practices, dancing, and community gatherings. People seem to sleep better in yurts, and often dream more.

How long do yurts last?

The wooden framework of the yurt will last indefinitely as long as it is protected from the direct elements by a fabric covering or wood preservative. The fabric cover of the yurt will last from 3-20 years depending on; type of fabric, proper care, climate conditions, and application of protective coatings that may be used. The Polaris fabric we use has a 5 year limited warranty but can last longer if it is periodically cleaned and recoated.  The canvas cover will last between 3-5 years, depending on its location and the severity of UV rays in your climate. Because it is a natural fabric, cleaning is key to keeping mildew from destroying the cotton fibers.  Extreme moisture and humidity are also environmental elements that may need special consideration. You could consider replacing the cover of your yurt much like you would consider painting a traditional home.

What are yurts used for?

• The yurt is ideal for use as a family home, guest bedroom, year round rental cottage, office space, or classroom.

• Invite nature in to create a spiritual retreat, meditation space, artist studio, sun room or greenhouse.

• Comfortably experience wild places in a yurt specially designed as a portable base camp for hunting or camping.

• Easily erect a playhouse for your children anywhere you are or watch your sales increase with a yurt specifically designed for mobile vendors.

For a more comfortable lifestyle, run electricity, plumbing, and heat efficiently to enjoy comfortable temperatures all year. Or go “off the grid” and create a sustainable home.

What kind of foundation does a yurt require?

Yurts can be set up on the ground or on a deck.  If you are setting your yurt up for temporary use, it can be set up with a fabric floor or a tarp.

• An advantage of a yurt is that generally grading is not necessary and site preparation is minimal. A person can simply erect it on a platform.

• The circular platform is built to the size of the yurt, and the yurt is attached permanently to the deck.

• We use a platform design that will easily allow for exterior decks to be added.

• The exterior deck will be stepped down from the platform and reduce the wear on the fabric walls and make it easy to remove and change the side cover.

We are happy to provide our customers with these platform plans.   Some people prefer to prepare their site for a permanent floor; options here include earthen floors and concrete floors with radiant flooring.

Becky Kemery offers many suggestions in her book, Yurts: Living in the Round, including the information about setting up a yurt on the ground in a dessert climate. She says that it helps to have a rock-filled trench around the perimeter of the yurt for drainage. For extra insulation you can dig the circle down six inches, lay in plastic sheeting, fill it in with sawdust or sand, and place your floor coverings and rugs over the soft sawdust floor. A yurt community in Kelley, Wyoming (near Jackson Hole) has lived this way successfully for many years. (For more detailed instructions, see YURTS: Living in the Round, p. 78)

Are yurts bear proof?

A bear may tear through the fabric of a yurt, but they will find it more difficult to get through the trellis wall which is very strong. Bears have incredible strength and can rip through exterior walls, or break down doors of normal houses if they want to.  Generally, bears are more curious and frightened, and rarely make diligent attempts at entering a structure.  However, if you are using your yurt as a honey processing plant in Alaska, you might want to consider building it up above the largest reach of a bear.

Are yurts secure?

Yurts are hard to break into because of the trellis wall. The weak spot would be glass in your door that could be broken (just like they could in a conventional house). Of course, security systems can make great deterrents, and yurts are not at the top of the list when it comes to planned robberies by determined burglars.  We install exterior lock sets that include deadbolts on all the doors we sell.

What about permitting?

Building codes and permitting is a complex issue that varies with location and with the style of yurt you’re considering.  You’ll want to check with your local code officials before purchasing a yurt. For some helpful information check out yurtinfo.org (the Yurts and Codes section). It may be helpful to bring information about yurts with you when you go to meet the inspector. Here are some subjects that will be taken into consideration by code officials.

• One of the most common hurdles for passing code is r-value concerning insulation. Since yurts are generally not set up with a space for typical insulation, r-value is not a good measure for determining the yurt ability to retain heat.
  

• Reflective foil insulation reflects heat back into the space.
  

• You can also paint the canvas with a ceramic acrylic coating that can be applied to the inside and outside of the fabric.  This product has been engineered to reflect up to 85% of the radiant heat that is directed toward it.  This coating contains very small ceramic spheres that have most of the gas removed from them and a vacuum is created inside the sphere.  Since a true vacuum cannot conduct the transfer of heat, the coating reflects the heat back into the yurt as it comes from the inside of the yurt, and protects from heat and damaging UV rays that come from the sun.  This product does all this while still remaining flexible and offering a wide choice of colors. When the coating is applied on the inside and out it can eliminate the need for an interior insulation and interior liner.

• We are also working with real low-e windows and doors.  We are  utilizing them with fiberglass or foam insulation to take advantage of the space that is created between the lattice walls and the wind/snow load vertical boards.

Another major factor that will be considered by code officials is fire resistance. Unfortunately, this subject is usually addressed with fabrics that have been made to be inherently flame resistant. Many times these fabrics are not made of natural materials. Inspectors may also need to address issues like:

• having an engineer draw complete plans with specifications and strength ratings specified, or water, septic, and electricity regulations.

In some cases it may be easier to use an existing building that has been inspected and has a current certificate of occupation to get electricity, water, and septic to the site and then setting up the yurt as a “temporary”  structure that you spend a great deal of time in.

• You may also want to research to find out about any yurts that have gone through the permitting process and get suggestions and form a plan before applying for a building permit.

How long does it take to put up a yurt?

With a crew of three or four, it may take two days to two weeks for the deck, depending on site prep, weather conditions, and  experience of the crew.  The yurt itself can be set up in a day or two if all goes well.

I‘m nervous about putting up a yurt myself. Is there a place I can see one going up, or learn more before I put one up myself?

Check out the yurt raisings on yurtinfo.org calendar (and when you get ready to put up your own yurt, you can email becky@yurtinfo.org so that they can put it on the calendar). We periodically have workshops for yurt building and setup and generally have a yurt in process that needs to be set up.  We can also recommend a person that is familiar with our yurt set up that may be willing to help on the day of set up.  The fee is usually 200$ a day plus travel if more than 1 hour away.  This person can recommend what size crew to have on hand and also help with the deck building process if needed.  If this service is of interest to you please call for contact info for these people.

How do I care for my yurt?

• Vinyl Windows When you put your windows up, make sure to always roll them (folding the vinyl will create creases which weaken the material). Clean the windows with soapy water and a soft cloth. The surface of vinyl windows scratch easily, so treat them like you would your glasses, and wash off dirt before cleaning.

• Door and Door Frame if you have a door that has been coated with paint or polyurethane, this coating will need to be reapplied as needed.  The door takes  the most abuse because it is the only part that is not covered.  The hardware may also need to be replaced. The lock set will likely get more water on it due to the limited overhang at the door.

• Dome Skylight and Door Window Wash acrylic dome and door window with a mild soap like dish washing liquid and plenty of lukewarm water. Make sure to use a soft cloth and not paper towels or other paper products that will scratch the finish.

• Care of Yurt cover Yurt covers are very important especially since natural fabrics are being used.  Generally it is not a good idea to use a pressure washer or harsh chemicals on any of the fabrics.  Use the recommended cleaners for the fabric that you have and follow recommended time intervals for cleaning.  Our replacement covers are fairly inexpensive, but regular maintenance can add years to your cover.

What are some flooring options?

There are several flooring options, and many of them depend on the use of the yurt and if you have your yurt set up on the ground or on a platform.

If your yurt is set up on a platform, the most user friendly options are indoor/outdoor carpet, linoleum, or the green alternative marmoleum. 

• These options are easy to install, easy-to clean, and will be more forgiving in terms of the need for climate control.
  

• Linoleum is the least expensive, easiest to find, offers many pattern choices and creates an air and moisture barrier.
  

• It can be wrapped around the sides to form a tight seal and will protect any insulation that is in the floor.  However, this is a vinyl product and comes with concerns about health issues, and environmental issues due to PVC’s and off-gassing.
  

• The green alternative is called marmoleum and is non toxic, less available and 2-3 times more expensive.  It is made from linseed oil, jute, pine resin, and wood flour.  Many styles and colors are available. Other flooring options hardwood, laminate flooring, bamboo, cork, carpet, tile and others.
  

Many of these options do not work well with high levels of moisture and temperature change and may require that a space be climate controlled.  With any flooring, it is important to know the technical data and required sub floor requirements before making a decision.

• Due to the lattice walls, in many cases it is much easier to install the floor before putting up the yurt.
  

• Painting the floor is also a good inexpensive option.  Many times “oops” or mis-tinted paints are available at a fraction of the price. It is important o caulk and primer the painted surface correctly before painting and use a paint that is durable and easy to clean. We also offer an insulating floor coating that is very durable and will also provide reflective insulation to your floor.
  

• Another option for a screened-in-porch yurt is using decking boards that are made using different types of wood.  This type of floor would not be used for year-round use as it cannot be insulated.

If you are setting the yurt up on the ground, you can put in a fabric floor or a tarp can be used for a temporary setup.  If you are setting up the yurt on flat ground, you can also make a permanent floor such as a concrete slab or earthen floor slab.

What about storage?

Building the platform for the yurt higher off the ground will create a space under the yurt where a storage space can be built.  You can simply build a shelf to keep things off the ground or build an enclosure with locking doors. This space can be used for keeping seasonal things you don’t need inside your yurt. It will also make repairs to the platform easier, and provide extra strength to the platform.

As far as storage inside the yurt, it is always good to make use of space underneath beds, or build or buy wardrobes and shelving that has doors that can close.  It is nice to have attractive “closets” that close and leave your yurt feeling clutter free.

How can you have privacy in a yurt?

On our land we have built multiple yurts to create different functional spaces; for example, we have a separate living room, bedroom, crafting yurt, yoga yurt, playhouse, bathhouse and then we have a combined kitchen/ dining yurt.

Another option in larger yurts is hanging fabric from the walls to create separate spaces, or to arrange furniture in such a way that the yurt feels like it has rooms.  Some people even choose to install real walls, or rolling walls for flexibility.

What are some interior options?

There are many options for yurt interiors; we recommend keeping the yurt open without interior walls and creating spaces around the perimeter of the yurt.

• Lofts are a great way to save space and make use of the yurts spacious interior. It is nice to use lightweight furniture for flexibility and keep your colors light and airy.
  

• Walls that roll can be built in small sections and can perform a multitude of functions. They can be rolled into any place as they are needed or rolled to the side for meetings or exercise space.
  

Let your imagination wander as you consider having one wall hold a folding table. Make a wall out of a thermal mass to collect heat from the sun at the windows while you are away.

Can interior partition walls be added?

Yurt Interior partition walls can be added to provide separate bathrooms, bedrooms or kitchen areas. A local carpenter or contractor can easily build these walls into the yurt after it has been erected.

• The partition walls should be freestanding and not rely on the yurt, but can be connected to the lattice wall or Snow & Wind Kit’s vertical supports.
  

• Nothing should be connected to the roof rafters of the yurt, but the interior walls should definitely be anchored to the floor.

How do I add a bathroom?

If you have a larger yurt, you may to frame out an interior bathroom.

• This could be done (after the yurt is installed) in much the same manner as in a conventional site-built structure or done more simply with fabrics hung from the rafters.
  

• The plumbing would be brought up through the floor of the yurt into the bathroom.
  

• Venting can be accomplished with downdraft vents through the floor or through the wall of the yurt using a flashing kit; often composting toilets have a built in vent that keeps the yurt smelling nice and require no water to flush them or septic to drain in.
  

Check local codes concerning composting toilets.  They are widely accepted in Europe, but like many alternative sustainable solutions, the US has been slow to explore and encourage some of these options.

Can I add a kitchen?

Kitchens have been added to yurts in many ways, sometimes just built into the perimeter of the yurt, and not sectioned off.  Others have created walls with standard cabinets and counters purchased from a local home improvement store or Habitat for Humanity.

• You can create a curved counter along the wall of the yurt by using smaller standard cabinets. This way the only “custom” part would be the counter-top itself.
  

• Often you can just take the counter-top and cut it yourself with a saw or grinder with a diamond blade (for granite).
  

• Often people who have built walls for a bathroom will put the kitchen against that interior wall so the plumbing can be shared between the kitchen and bathroom.

“At this point in time I would definitly recommend Laurel Nest Yurts… we visited some friends who dwell year round in their Laurel Nest yurt, and we were impressed with how warm it was in winter, and how nicely it was built.”                                                               Sarah Mackey

Can you heat a yurt?

How do you heat a yurt?

Do you have a wood stove installation kit?

What is the insulation like and how does it work?

What does snow and wind load kit consist of? Where would it be necessary?

Do yurts work in cold climates?

Do yurts work in tropical climates?

How do yurts handle hurricanes?

Yes, we live in our yurts year round.  We choose to have a propane heater, and it works very well.

• Many have found success with a wood burning stove.

• We prefer to use propane because we are not consistently in our yurts throughout the day  and the effort of keeping a wood stove going all day does not make sense for our lifestyles.
  

• Electric or kerosene heaters also work well.
  

• We make it a habit to try to sleep in down comforters and or sleeping bags and leave the heat off in our yurts while sleeping at night.
  

We are able to heat it with propane while we are awake and quickly turn off the heat once we have warmed the bed. This is one reason that we recommend smaller yurts that are joined together instead of one larger one.

You can use pretty much any kind of heat that you’d use in a conventional home; however, most yurt dwellers use wood heat or propane. Another great option (though fairly permanent) is a radiant floor (where warm water circulates through pipes in the floor)

• Wood or pellet stoves: The advantages of wood and pellet stoves are that they are renewable resources and that they produce a dry heat.  It is possible to find efficient stoves that produce minimal emissions. A ceiling fan is helpful in circulating the warmth.

• Propane heaters: A propane heater produces water vapor and carbon monoxide as byproducts of combustion, so they need to be vented and should be installed by someone who knows what they are doing. Un-vented propane heaters make a yurt damp and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning (symptoms include headache and nausea). A portable fan clipped to the rafters above a propane heater, or a ceiling fan, can help send the heat across the room or back down from the ceiling.

• Radiant heat is the most efficient and comfortable form of heating for any shelter. The floor is usually poured concrete with tubing running through it, but it can also be made of cob or adobe. Options for heating the water include a wood or propane-fired boiler, a wood stove, and electricity.

• Rocket Mass Heaters use thermal mass to store and then release heat for 6-12 hours. These heaters are efficient in their use of fuel (wood), non-polluting, and you can build it yourself! Check out Rocket Mass Heaters by Ianto Evans. *
  

• Electric heat is probably the least desirable option because of its high energy usage.

Yes, we make an optional wood stove panel that consists of two pieces of metal flashing that sandwich the fabric.

• A hole is provided for a 6” double insulated pipe to fit through and high heat caulk is provided to seal the outside edge.
  

• A support pole will be needed outside to attach the stove pipe to allowing it stability from the wind.
  

• The stove pipe should be run high enough to get a good draft and clear the height of the dome.
  

• Local codes will give details as to what is considered safe.
  

• It is also a good Idea to have a hearth and wall cover to deflect and possibly even absorb some of the heat from the stove.

It works by reflecting the radiant heat in both directions, thus making the inside warmer in the winter and redirecting the summer warmth.

• The insulation that we use is a reflective double foil insulation.  It is approx 1/8” thick, and it is similar to the silver foam that many people put in their car windshields to keep them cooler in the summer.  This Insulation can be cut and taped to fit any size yurt.
  

• Another option that is available is the same product only one side is white.  This will allow the customer to choose not to get an interior liner without feeling like they are in a spaceship.  This option is slightly less insulating and slightly less fire resistant.
  

• The other is a ceramic acrylic coating that can be applied to the inside and outside of the fabric.  This product has been engineered to reflect up to 85% of the radiant heat that is directed toward it.  This coating contains very small ceramic spheres that have most of the gas removed from them and a vacuum is created inside the sphere.
  

Since a true vacuum cannot conduct the transfer of heat, the coating reflects the heat back into the yurt when it comes from the inside of the yurt, and protects from heat and damaging UV rays that come from the sun.

Yurts originated in Mongolia, one of the coldest climates on the planet. Their circular nature makes them more efficient to heat (with 12% less surface exposed to the elements than their rectilinear equivalents).

We use a reflective insulation or ceramic acrylic coating (see description above) to ensure that you will get full value out of the heat you use in the yurt.

Yurts are ideal in those tropical climates where heating needs are minimal and cooling needs can be met with a ceiling fan and ventilation through the windows.

• Our domes are made to open to allow the hot air to escape.
  

• Areas where most homes require air conditioning can take advantage of our real window option and an air conditioning panel can be installed.  Floor model A/C units are more readily available and usually drain through the floor.
  

• Yurts are probably more difficult to keep cool than they are to keep warm. It seems obvious, but sitting a yurt under deciduous trees is your best option for keeping it cool.
  

• Turning your window covers into awnings (and perhaps covering those awnings with reflective foil) will help a great deal.
  

• Having good ventilation and installing reflective insulation is extremely important in reflecting the sun’s heat away from the yurt.

It is impossible to know what will happen in an extreme situation like a hurricane. We do know that yurts do well in high winds, partly because they are circular (and therefore the wind goes around the yurt, with no corners to catch the wind). The other factor is the amazing strength and flexibility of the integrated roof and wall structure.

• The choices that are made concerning hardware, types of wood, fabric, and strength building options will make the difference in the overall strength of the Yurt.
  

• Many yurts have withstood winds of up to 100mph or more.  However, if enough time is given as warning of a severe storm, the yurt can be taken down quickly and a small concrete storm shelter can be built to store it and it’s important contents including you.
  

It is possible that some of the UFO sightings were actually yurts that did not want to come apart but rather just lifted off when winds reached 150mph (just a theory).

How do you get electricity run to your yurt?

How do I add a bathroom?

Can I add a kitchen?

Are yurts sustainable?

Can a water catchment system be made?

Is it possible to have utilities (like electricity and plumbing) in a fabric yurt? What about solar power?

Most of the utilities used in conventional homes can be installed in a fabric yurt.

• Plumbing and electricity are usually brought up through the floor and can be run through interior walls that you install in the yurt to create rooms.
  

• You can also run cords through the khanna if you are not making interior walls.
  

• It is important to keep all cords away from water and any potential fire hazards.
  

• An option for cold climates is to install plumbing that is easily drained when you leave for any length of time during the winter months.
  

• Many fabric yurts are used in remote locations where it is common to use solar power, water catchment systems, and composting or sawdust toilets (see The Humanure Handbook).

How do you get electricity run to your yurt?

Often you can obtain a building permit and with that comes a temporary power pole.  You can run electric cords from the power pole into your yurt.  Or you can get off-grid and run a generator or use solar panels.

How do I add a bathroom?

If you have a larger yurt, you may to frame out an interior bathroom.

• This could be done (after the yurt is installed) in much the same manner as in a conventional site-built structure or done more simply with fabrics hung from the rafters.

• The plumbing would be brought up through the floor of the yurt into the bathroom.

• Venting can be accomplished with downdraft vents through the floor or through the wall of the yurt using a flashing kit; often composting toilets have a built in vent that keeps the yurt smelling nice and require no water to flush them or septic to drain in.

Check local codes concerning composting toilets.  They are widely accepted in Europe, but like many alternative sustainable solutions, the US has been slow to explore and encourage some of these options.

Can I add a kitchen?

Kitchens have been added to yurts in many ways, sometimes just built into the perimeter of the yurt, and not sectioned off.  Others have created walls with standard cabinets and counters purchased from a local home improvement store or Habitat for Humanity.

• You can create a curved counter along the wall of the yurt by using smaller standard cabinets. This way the only “custom” part would be the counter-top itself.

• Often you can just take the counter-top and cut it yourself with a saw or grinder with a diamond blade (for granite).

• Often people who have built walls for a bathroom will put the kitchen against that interior wall so the plumbing can be shared between the kitchen and bathroom.

Are yurts sustainable?

Fabric yurts have a small carbon footprint.  The simple design of the yurt uses much less resources than a traditional stick built home. Yurts are a very eco-friendly alternative for those resolved to living a more sustainable and simple lifestyle. It is worth noting that there are many choices to consider when building or purchasing a yurt and all of these will have effects of how sustainable your particular yurt is.

Can a water catchment system be made?

Yes, we offer a water catchment system to help protect your walls while helping you to harvest precious rain water.

• Our water catchment system is a fabric gutter that collects run-off from the roof, funneling it through downspouts into your storage tank.
  

• The Gutter System prevents water from running down the wall, and helps your side cover last longer.

Do you have plans on how to build a deck?

Yes, we do have deck plans that we will be happy to send, but we recommend that you check your local building codes for guidelines.

Can two yurts be joined together?

Yes, there are a variety of ways to accomplish this but the basic way is to build the yurt platforms at the same height and connect them with a deck.  A cover of any kind can connect the spaces or just leave them open and get a constant reminder that you live partially outside.

Will my yurt require a building permit?

Building code requirements vary from place to place so it is best to check with your local authorities prior to your yurt purchase.

If you live in a rural area, your yurt may not need to be permitted.

• Yurts are classified by permitting authorities in several different ways, including as a permanent structure or a temporary structure.
  

• They may also be viewed as an out building much like a garage or storage building.

How much does handling cost?
Crating and handling costs $250.  There is no crating and handling fee for pickup or if you choose to arrange Laurel Nest Yurts to make your delivery (though we do charge for mileage and time spent traveling).

How much does it cost to have Laurel Nest Yurts deliver the yurt?
We will work with each customer on a case by case basis for delivery.  Depending on how busy we are and if there are other yurts being delivered in your immediate area, and how flexible you are with your delivery dates, we can try to help you save money.

Can you help me set up my yurt?
If we are delivering your yurt for you, we are happy to assist with the set up of the yurt, at the rate of $200/day if you have people on site that can help.  We usually need a group of 4 people (including our Laurel Nest Yurts representative) for the set up.

How much does the shipping cost?
We choose Old Dominion Freight for our shipping company. We ship all yurts freight collect, meaning that you would pay for shipping upon delivery of your yurt.  It is typical for freight companies to charge a residence fee of about 75 dollars.  Generally yurts break down into small parts, the longest being the rafters. Some of the Do It Yourself options will allow you to reduce shipping costs  (see the DIY section of the site for details). Often the shipping costs run from $100-$1300, depending on yurt size and where in the country your yurt is going. And It is sometimes advisable to pick up the yurt at the terminal if you have an appropriate vehicle and or time.

How do I arrange for shipping my yurt?
When you purchase a yurt from us, please let us know when and where you would like your yurt to arrive.  We will arrange the shipping for you.

How should I prepare to receive my shipment?

Once a confirmation e-mail has been sent letting you know the tracking number and estimated time of delivery, we suggest that you contact the shipping company and be sure that they have correct contact information and a plan is made for pickup. They will contact you if anything changes. Plan an extra day or so for residential delivery. You will need to talk with them about logistics and arrange for the best solution for delivery or pickup

How do I unload my yurt(s) from the truck?
It will be important to know how you will deal with the yurt once it arrives.  For the smaller yurts it is possible for 4 people to carry the yurt.  If this is not possible, the crate will need to be opened and carried piece by piece.  This will require at least 2 people for the wall sections.  If the yurt unassembled, it is possible for one person to unload and move the contents of the box. In any case it will need to be covered or stored and protected from the elements.

What do I need to know if I pick up my yurt from your facility?
We are happy to work with you on pickup; you just need to know where we are located and our phone number is 1-877-ECOYURT. Just give us a call.