The Mechanics of Yurts

What do campers in Oregon and ancient Mongolians have in common? Both share a passion for yurts.

A yurt is a circular tent with lattice walls, traditionally used by nomads in Central Asia. Archaeological findings show that yurts date back to the fourth century B.C., with the oldest intact yurt discovered in a 13th-century Mongolian tomb [source: King]. These structures were perfectly suited to the nomadic way of life, requiring only a few oxen to transport an entire home. They also offered warmth during the frigid Mongolian winters, where temperatures could plummet to -50°C (-58°F) [source: King].

Though Oregon doesn’t experience the extreme cold of Mongolia, campers there still appreciate the comfort of a yurt during their temporary escape from everyday life. In response to a budget shortfall and a decline in off-season camping, a park manager in Oregon decided to introduce yurts. Campgrounds across the nation followed suit, as yurts require less maintenance and offer more comfort than traditional tents, especially for families with young children or older individuals. Today, many people are even using yurts as permanent homes, offices, and schools.

While yurts have gained popularity around the world in recent years, many Mongolians still reside in the traditional structures their ancestors created, which they refer to as ger, meaning home. The term 'yurt' originates from the Russian word for these dwellings, and just as the Russians renamed it, other cultures have adapted the Mongolian design to suit their own needs.

In this article, we will explore the yurt's origins in Mongolia, as well as the luxurious versions of yurts that exist today. We will also examine why these simple homes continue to attract so many people. On the following page, we'll delve into the key elements of yurt construction that allow it to withstand powerful winds while being easy to dismantle in under an hour.

Yurt Structure

The yurt boasts a clever design. It can be disassembled into a few lightweight parts for easy transport, yet once set up, it is strong enough to endure the harshest winds. One yurt even survived a tornado in Japan that destroyed nearby houses [source: Kemery].

The walls of a yurt are constructed from wood, typically hazel or willow, and consist of latticed panels that unfold like an accordion. These panels are assembled and secured to form a circle, with space left for a door frame. It's similar to putting together a circular baby gate. The yurt’s roof, which is either domed or conical, features a circular opening at the top with rafters extending down to connect with the walls. Modern yurts often include a hole at the top for a chimney or a skylight.

Everything is bound together by an external tension band, which provides the yurt with incredible strength. When the roof experiences compression from rain or snow, the tension band tightens, pulling the rafters in and upwards. The structure’s shape also makes it highly wind-resistant, as wind flows smoothly around it rather than being obstructed by walls and corners.

Once the frame is in place, the walls are covered with fabric. Traditionally, Mongolians used wool from their sheep to create felt coverings. During the winter, multiple layers of felt are used for insulation, and as the weather warms, layers are removed. However, homemade fabric has its drawbacks, such as its weight and water absorption. Today, manufacturers use canvas or vinyl for wall coverings. Many also provide a foundation for yurts, as many modern users build a platform, though in Mongolia, nomads may simply place thick rugs and mats on the ground.

Once complete, the yurt has a relatively low profile. If you’re over 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, you may need to stoop a little, although modern manufacturers can extend the walls to accommodate taller individuals. This lower roof height actually helps the yurt retain heat during winter, and its circular design minimizes the amount of exposed space to the elements.

Since the yurt doesn't require internal supports, the entire interior space is usable. A yurt with an 18-foot (5.5-meter) diameter provides about 263 square feet (24.4 square meters) of space, while a 30-foot (9.1-meter) yurt offers 730 square feet (67.8 square meters) of space [source: Wolfe]. A 30-foot yurt is considered large, but if you need more space, you can also combine multiple yurts together.

Yurts around the world feature subtle variations. Even within Central Asia, Mongolian gers differ from those of the Turkic people, who use long, bent poles that serve as both the walls and the roof. When yurts were introduced to North America, manufacturers began using different fabrics for the walls and replaced the traditional tension band with aircraft cables.

What’s it like inside a traditional yurt? Turn the page to explore a yurt in Mongolia.

Mongolian Yurts

For centuries, Mongolian herders have moved across the land in search of fresh grass for their sheep, goats, and camels. They needed a shelter that could support their nomadic way of life while withstanding the scorching desert heat and frigid nights. The ger was the perfect solution. Not only was it portable, but it could also be easily heated and cooled. The felt used to make the walls of the ger gave these people their name – ‘nomad’ was derived from the word for felt [source: Kemery].

Although the yurt may appear to be a simple circular tent, every aspect of it held great significance for the ancient Mongolians who perfected it. They were deeply focused on maintaining balance and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. The ger was seen as a representation of the entire universe and the position of the occupant within it. The roof symbolized the sky, while the opening at the top of each ger represented the sun and a gateway to the world above. The central fireplace stood as the gateway to the world below.

The arrangement of furnishings within a ger has remained unchanged over time. At the center is a hearth or stove, symbolizing the five basic elements of Earth: Earth, wood, fire, metal, and water. As most Mongolians are Buddhist, an altar or shrine is placed at the north end of the ger, directly opposite the south-facing door. The inhabitants of the ger sleep with their heads pointed toward the altar, unless they are Muslim, in which case they position their heads southward toward Mecca.

In a ger, the eastern and western sides are designated for the women and men, respectively. Men's bedding is placed to the west of the altar, along with their tools and equipment. Women’s bedding is on the opposite side, accompanied by domestic items like cooking utensils and sewing tools. Visitors, both male and female, are seated on their respective sides, while servants, poor visitors, and animals are placed near the entrance.

Many Mongolians, even those living in urban areas, continue to dwell in gers. Across Asia, there are various designs, such as a wall-less ger resembling a teepee, and even a six-story ger. However, gers have undergone fascinating changes since they were introduced to other countries. On the next page, we’ll explore the diverse range of modern yurt options available today.

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From Camping Yurts to Luxury Yurts: The Yurt Today

Yurts made their way to North America in the 1960s. On the East Coast, Harvard student Bill Coperthwaite became inspired by photographs of gers in National Geographic, using his dissertation as a platform to build these structures. On the West Coast, a group called the Hoedads, living in Oregon forests and planting trees, realized the yurt was perfect for their lifestyle. Bill Coperthwaite went on to establish the Yurt Foundation, and those who worked with him and the Hoedads began the first yurt manufacturing businesses in North America.

Yurt sales are increasing by about 10% annually, with early adopters from the West Coast and Pacific Northwest leading the charge. The East Coast and Midwest are beginning to catch up as well [source: Schoettle]. One manufacturer estimates that roughly 10,000 yurts are currently in use across North America [source: Darlin].

As we mentioned earlier, yurts have become a prominent feature on campgrounds. The trend began in Oregon when Craig Tutor, a parks manager, saw yurts at the Oregon State Fair and decided to purchase them for state parks. They offer some of the comforts of a cabin, but at a significantly lower maintenance cost. A 2003 survey by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department revealed that yurt users appreciated the improvements to camping, such as warmth, dry shelter, and convenience [source: Bingham].

While yurts may not always generate a substantial profit, park officials report that they draw more people into camping. Currently, Oregon parks charge $27-$30 per night for a basic yurt that accommodates five people, and $45-$66 for a deluxe yurt that sleeps seven [source: Oregon Parks and Recreation]. Research has shown that campers are unwilling to pay more than $50 per night unless luxury features like fireplaces or hot tubs are included [source: Lohse].

Luxury upgrades have transformed the simple sheep herder's tent into a versatile space that can serve as a home, office, school, or even a sauna and gym. While most yurts start around $4,000, the final price can vary significantly as users install systems like gutters, electricity, plumbing, French doors, and ceiling fans. Multiple yurts can be connected to create additional space, and they can be partitioned to form multiple rooms, though this sacrifices the concept of square corners.

Yurts have spread across the globe, so whether you're heading to Costa Rica or Europe, staying in a yurt might be an option. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan import traditional Mongolian yurts. In the UK, you might encounter the Sushi Yurt, a traveling restaurant offering Japanese cuisine, or the Scottish Storytelling Yurt, which can be rented along with a storyteller.

Skiers in Idaho and Utah can opt to stay in yurts, and those in Park City, Utah, may even take a sleigh ride to the Viking Dinner Yurt. Situated at 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, the Viking Dinner Yurt offers gourmet meals and has even been recognized by the "Today" show as one of the most romantic spots to propose in America [source: Park City Yurts].

What makes the yurt so appealing to so many? We'll explore some reasons on the next page.

Benefits of Yurt Living

The portability of yurts was a huge advantage for Mongolian nomads. All they needed were a couple of horses to carry their homes with them, and even smaller yurts can fit into a car or truck for a weekend getaway. Setting up and taking down a yurt is simple, even for beginners. It could take as little as 30 minutes, though it usually takes a few hours. While the process can be done alone, it's easier with an extra set of hands. And if you find a better spot, it's easy to move the yurt even after it's been set up.

The yurt has shown remarkable durability, standing strong through rain, snow, wind, and intense heat in Mongolia. Its low height and round shape make it easy to heat with just a stove and a few layers of insulation. Some modern yurts come with additional insulation for colder climates. In warmer weather, the layers can be rolled up to allow fresh air in, and lighter reed mats are often used to maintain privacy.

Even in the harshest conditions, the yurt proves its durability. Some pine frames used in Turkish yurts can last for 50 to 70 years [source: King]. One manufacturer even offers a 15-year guarantee on the canvas, which exceeds the lifespan of most shingled roofs [source: Hughes].

The yurt's popularity in campgrounds highlights a key benefit: the ability to be close to nature without fully embracing it. In a yurt, you can hear the rain and wind, but remain sheltered and dry. You can listen to the sounds of nearby wildlife and gaze at the stars, all while enjoying ample protection and comfort.

A yurt not only brings you closer to nature, but it's also environmentally friendly. The materials used in traditional yurts are fully recyclable, and because no permanent foundation is required, moving a yurt leaves no lasting impact on the land.

The yurt offers safety and security. You can have locking doors, and even if the canvas sheeting is lifted, the latticed wood structure makes it difficult for intruders to get through. This design also keeps wild animals out if you're sharing the area with them. Additionally, yurts are discreet; their height, typically under 6 feet (nearly 2 meters), allows them to be tucked away among tall shrubs or trees for added privacy.

Yurts can be quite affordable for a permanent dwelling, though extra features will increase the cost. If you have carpentry and sewing skills, you can even build your own yurt with the help of numerous online guides. Additionally, because yurts don't require a permanent foundation, they may not be subject to property taxes like conventional houses [source: Wolfe].

On the other hand, securing financing or a loan for a yurt can be challenging. A yurt manufacturer advises clients not to refer to it as a 'yurt' when approaching banks due to its unconventional nature. Instead, they recommend highlighting that the design was created by an architect [source: Tedeschi]. Additionally, placing your yurt in accordance with building codes can be tricky, so it's essential to consult local planning departments for guidance on the regulations in your area.

Lastly, there's no denying the fun aspect of yurts. One downside, however, is that people may be constantly coming over just to talk about your unique living space.