Product Code: 58919
ISBN: 978-1-58685-891-9
Size: 8.5" X 8.5" X .515625"
Availability: In stock
| Paperback | $24.99 |
Yurts: Living in the Round journeys from Central Asia to modern America and reveals the history, evolution, and contemporary benefits of yurt living. One of the oldest forms of indigenous shelter still in use today, yurts have exploded into the twenty-first century as a multi-faceted, thoroughly modern, utterly versatile, and immensely popular modern structure whose possibilities are still being explored. Kemery introduces the innovators who redesigned the yurt and took it from back country trekking and campground uses to modern permanent homes and offices. Yurts: Living in the Round shows how to build, insulate, ventilate, and transport a yurt, plus shares invaluable information on everything from foundations and heating to building codes and floor plans. Inspiring and imaginative photographs plus an extensive resource section offer all the information needed to take the next step. Explore the benefits of circular living, in locations as diverse as the mountains of France, a retreat center in Chile, a bed and breakfast in Georgia, and many more!
Yurts reveals:
Which kind of yurt to buy
Where to find a yurt, find a builder, or get plans to do it yourself
Floor plans for a variety of yurts
Case studies and personal stories of yurt dwellers
Ideas on combining yurts with outbuildings or satellite yurts
Plus, an extensive resource section and index!
Table Of Contents:
Acknowledgments vi
Foreword x
Preface xi
What's a Yurt? 1
Ancient Designs: The Central Asian Üy and Ger 15
The Tapered Wall Yurt 41
The Modern Fabric Yurt 65
The Frame Panel Yurt 101
Living in the Round 117
Appendixes 124
Appendix 1: Sample Building Code for
Alternative Structures"
Appendix 2:Sample Platform Plan
Appendix 3:Woodstove and chimney installation
Resource Guide 130
Endnotes 140
Selected Bibliography 143
Photo Credits 144
Index 000
Reviews
The yurt dwelling experience is described beginning with ancient, nomadic Turkic and Mongolian tribes in central Asia - the origin of these distinctive shelters. The Turkic tribes refer to their round homes as an uy and the Mongolians call theirs a ger. Out of necessity and custom, portable yurts were, and still are, made from locally available wood and wool felt and usually sized to fit on the backs of pack animals. Yurts are more than a means of shelter for Mongolian and some Turkic tribes. They are considered sacred places and express the world views of people living in close connection with the cycles of life.
Some contemporary renditions of yurts have evolved into permanent structures. The tapered wall yurt pioneered by Bill Coperthwaite and the frame panel yurt designed by David Raitt are made of wood and set on permanent foundations. Plentiful color photos in Yurts: Living in the Round describe these unique structures and help tell the stories of their creators.
Even the modern fabric yurt can last many years and be used as permanent shelter. Author Becky Kemery shares her personal experiences of yurt living as well as practical considerations she has learned from others. She gives suggestions on choosing, buying, setting up, insuring, and maintaining a fabric yurt. A complete resource guide offers information on yurt companies, financing, plans, as well as homesteading and sustainable living.
More than a how-to guide, Yurts: Living in the Round documents intangible benefits of yurt living. The welcoming embrace of the yurt’s open, round space gives a sense of well-being and wholeness. People are naturally brought together in a circle which fosters connection and equality. “Yurts are my favorite form of shelter,” wrote the author. “They use the earth’s resources wisely and usually leave a small footprint. They are affordable and accessible. I also think they make fabulous spiritual and creative spaces.”