Buzz
A yurt embodies a simplistic, tent-like structure traditionally embraced by nomadic dwellers. While open to all, they particularly resonate with individuals seeking a harmonious connection with nature. Whether you opt to purchase or construct your own yurt, tailor it to your preferences and requirements, ensuring proximity to a clean water source. Investing time and effort into erecting this compact dwelling promises a fulfilling, eco-friendly lifestyle that yurts epitomize.
Key Steps
Fashioning Your Yurt
Consider building a yurt if you possess the time, resources, and carpentry skills. Constructing a yurt parallels the processes involved in crafting a tiny house, with the key distinction being its remote location amidst nature, rather than within urban landscapes. Explore diverse yurt designs online and peruse yurt-building tutorials on platforms like YouTube to gauge your readiness for this endeavor.
Consider purchasing a yurt if constructing one seems daunting. If the idea of building a yurt from scratch feels overwhelming, you can opt for yurt-building kits or pre-made/used yurts. Explore online options for yurts or kits that align with your lifestyle. Companies like Pacific Yurts and Rainier Yurts are reputable for their high-quality offerings.
- Yurts typically range from US$2000 to $6000 in kit form and take approximately two days to assemble.
Select a secure and lawful land parcel. Before erecting your yurt, ensure that the location is legally suitable for camping. If you don’t own the land, check for planning permission requirements with your local authorities for both temporary and permanent yurt living. Additionally, verify that the area is not prone to flash floods or heavy snowfall.
- Opt for a site sheltered below a hill's summit to shield your yurt from strong winds.
Position your yurt close to a clean water source. For cooking and sanitation purposes, it’s advantageous to have your yurt near a fresh water supply. If this isn’t feasible, consider installing a small rainwater tank or a rooftop water collection system.
Prepare a foundation for your yurt. Most yurts are elevated on decks, cinder block piers, or similar solid structures to keep the floor above ground level. If feasible, invest in or construct a deck, which also serves as a space for relaxation, cooking, and drying clothes.
- Consider a portable deck for flexibility if you have an itch for nomadic living.
Setting Up Essential Amenities
Furnish your yurt with essential furniture. While your yurt may not be spacious, it's essential to include practical and comfortable furniture to meet your daily needs. Consider adding a table and chairs, a bed, a bookshelf, and a cozy reading chair. Alternatively, opt for a camp stretcher, foldaway bed, or inflatable mattress if you prefer not to install a permanent bed.
Install a cooking facility. To prepare meals, equip your yurt with a suitable gas or wood stove that can also provide warmth. Ensure proper ventilation by venting the stove outside through a yurt wall to prevent dangerous fumes. You may need professional assistance for installation. Additionally, consider using a propane barbecue outside the yurt for outdoor cooking.
Establish an outhouse. For toilet facilities, consider natural composting methods rather than traditional plumbing. Position the toilet downwind from the yurt to prevent odors and flies from entering.
Set up a bathing area or shower facility. Create a simple shower using solar-heated water or utilize nearby clean streams or lakes. Alternatively, heat water for bathing and fill a large tub near your yurt. Ensure you have a washing area for cleaning dirty gear and items.
Establish internet connectivity. Explore various options such as cable, satellite, rural broadband, or 3G Wi-Fi to connect your yurt to the internet. Choose the most suitable option based on your location and preferences.
Embracing Sustainable Living
Establish a reliable energy source. You can access electricity for your yurt either by connecting to a main power supply or using a generator. However, this option can be costly and is not the most eco-friendly choice.
Harness natural energy. Utilize solar or wind energy devices along with storage batteries to power your yurt. Although these systems may require initial investment, they offer a greener alternative to generators.
Source lumber and ignite outdoor fires. Building fires serves as a reliable energy source for heating and cooking. In colder climates, anticipate using approximately 3.5-4 cords of wood for heating. Additionally, outdoor fires can complement other energy sources.
Provide illumination with electric lighting. While natural light enters through the yurt's dome during the day, ensure you have electric lighting for nighttime. Choose gas, battery, or LED lamps suitable for indoor use, and keep candles on hand for emergencies.
Cultivate a vegetable garden near your yurt. A well-tended garden can supply you and your fellow yurt dwellers with fresh produce, enhancing your self-sufficiency. Consider raising animals for additional food sources such as milk, eggs, and meat.
Embrace yurt living! Your yurt offers a peaceful retreat from city life, allowing you to fully appreciate the rewards of living in harmony with nature.
Useful Tips
- Keep warm during winter with ample rugs, blankets, and jackets. Insulated walls are essential for year-round yurt living.
- Stock up on batteries for essential devices.
- Consider investing in a wind-up radio if you lack electricity.
Important Warnings
- Maintaining yurts is an ongoing task. If you're not prepared for this commitment, yurt living may not be suitable for you.
- Adhere to local planning regulations to avoid potential yurt disassembly.
- During rainy winters, expect muddy conditions around your yurt.
Essentials
- Yurt
- Furniture
- Floor coverings
- Heating
- Compost toilet
- Solar-powered shower
- Gardening tools and plants
- Optional shed or garage
