Metateps

Yurts

The word yurt is a westernized Asian word that refers to traditional round dwellings used by nomadic peoples. In North America and Europe, the word immediately brings to mind the modern variants. In Europe, this is usually a trellis-walled dwelling made of canvas. In North America it can refer to several wooden-framed round dwellings, such as tapered-wall and frame-panel yurts, or a portable round dwelling called the fabric yurt. In many cases the distinction between a tent or cabin tent and a yurt is minuscule.

Yurts use a collection of roof poles attached to a center ring. The far ends of the roof poles are embedded in a fortified top-of-the-wall perimeter, and as gravity pulls down the heavy center-ring joints, the roof poles are pushed outward into the perimeter, creating a ceiling that needs no internal supports such as posts or center poles. Only the walls need support, which is provided by circumferential trellis-like framing. The round shape and the steep roof provide wind resistance and effectively shed snow and rain.

So what's the difference between a yurt and a big tent, or a cabin tent? For one thing, yurts are usually placed on a wooden platform. Many other materials can be used as a foundation. Even cob has been used (a mixture of sand, clay, water, and straw). In desert or arid climates a yurt can be set directly on the ground. To improve drainage, a rock-filled trench can be constructed around the yurt foundation.

Two other things distinguish a yurt from a tent: the time it takes to construct it, and the cost. Yurts designed with high-tech materials will cost an average of more than $15,000, although it's quite possible to buy the plans and materials for a small yurt for as little as $3,000.

Tents are assembled in a matter of minutes. Even giant commercial event tents rarely take more than a few hours to set up. Yurts, on the other hand, typically take days to weeks. Yurts are simply far less portable than tents, in spite of their nomadic beginnings. In addition, building codes are not kind to yurts, tents, or any other structure that can be deemed "temporary" or "closed-quarters." Local governments and snobby neighbors often view them as unhealthy eyesores that represent a step backward. In most cases code compliance will require a at least flushing toilets and running water.