Fundamentals of Yurt Construction
Explore centuries-old yurt construction techniques to assess sensible living styles adapted to "living in the round" and sustainability. In a group setting, students turn architect-builders as they design and construct a portable yurt suited to living sensibly - assessing spatial living needs, exploring building materials, interior design and lifestyles adapted to living in a circular space. This course will provide you with the skills to pursue your own yurt construction project – from the wooden lattice woodwork that makes the yurt adaptable and portability possible, to the sewing skills required for precision and durability. Discussions will also explore the history and craft of yurt construction, including the acquisition of and alternative materials available to make yurt construction affordable and accessible. At the conclusion of this course, a complete set of drawings and materials list to construct your own yurt will be available to interested students.
The micro-yurt is unique in its designs and construction materials. Unlike commercially available yurts on the market made primarily of vinyl and plastic wrap insulation, the material selected for these yurts, inspired by traditional shelters, are designed ‘to breathe,’ allowing excess moisture to escape during the cold months. Cotton and wool fibers provide this important transfer of moisture, thereby providing a warmer and drier environment.
These 10’, 12’ and 14’ diameter projects are smaller than communally built yurts ranging from 20’-30’ in size, allowing for greater portability and more efficient and affordable shelter considerations. The smaller yurt has been examined closely and field tested in bitter cold temperatures and weather extremes of northern Ontario. It is proven to be a warm, comfortable and efficient shelter option that requires little energy to heat. The portability of a smaller micro-yurt has a great advantage as it can be transported with a smaller vehicle or trailer and set up and taken down in less than an hour.
The emphasis of the yurt construction project is largely experimental in terms of fabrics, insulation, flooring, windows, heating, venting and related furniture projects. Each consideration is made with a close investigation of the essential uses of space related to the needs of the inhabitants and locale for the project.
The micro-yurt also reduces material and heating costs, making it affordable and accessible to a wider variety of markets including green and sustainable home owners, first time or new property owners, low-income buyers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The class project includes options for solar hot water installation, solar photovoltaic, electric wiring and lighting, composting toilets and a custom trailer for transportation.
The micro-yurt is unique in its designs and construction materials. Unlike commercially available yurts on the market made primarily of vinyl and plastic wrap insulation, the material selected for these yurts, inspired by traditional shelters, are designed ‘to breathe,’ allowing excess moisture to escape during the cold months. Cotton and wool fibers provide this important transfer of moisture, thereby providing a warmer and drier environment.
These 10’, 12’ and 14’ diameter projects are smaller than communally built yurts ranging from 20’-30’ in size, allowing for greater portability and more efficient and affordable shelter considerations. The smaller yurt has been examined closely and field tested in bitter cold temperatures and weather extremes of northern Ontario. It is proven to be a warm, comfortable and efficient shelter option that requires little energy to heat. The portability of a smaller micro-yurt has a great advantage as it can be transported with a smaller vehicle or trailer and set up and taken down in less than an hour.
The emphasis of the yurt construction project is largely experimental in terms of fabrics, insulation, flooring, windows, heating, venting and related furniture projects. Each consideration is made with a close investigation of the essential uses of space related to the needs of the inhabitants and locale for the project.
The micro-yurt also reduces material and heating costs, making it affordable and accessible to a wider variety of markets including green and sustainable home owners, first time or new property owners, low-income buyers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The class project includes options for solar hot water installation, solar photovoltaic, electric wiring and lighting, composting toilets and a custom trailer for transportation.
Dates
No classes currently scheduledCourse Details
Length in days:
6
Hours:
9am-4pm
Tuition:
$450.00 per student (May 1-Oct 31)
$450.00 per student (Nov 1 - Apr 30)
$450.00 per student (Nov 1 - Apr 30)
Materials:
Included
Levels:
Beginner to Advanced
This course is part of the Northern Sustainability and Simple Living Symposium event
