Tiny house yurts offer a unique and affordable solution for those seeking an alternative living space. These circular dwellings combine the simplicity of tiny homes with the distinctive shape and atmosphere of traditional Mongolian yurts. Yurt kits are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 16 to 26 feet in diameter, providing flexible options for individuals, couples, or small families looking to downsize or embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.
Modern yurt designs have evolved to include hard-sided, all-season options that can withstand diverse climates. These structures often feature wooden frames and durable fabric or composite walls, creating a cozy yet spacious feel. Some manufacturers offer customizable layouts, allowing residents to incorporate essential amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas within the circular footprint.
The appeal of tiny house yurts lies in their versatility and eco-friendly nature. They can be set up as permanent residences, vacation homes, or even portable dwellings for those who enjoy a nomadic lifestyle. With prices starting around $17,000 for basic models, yurts present an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals seeking an alternative to traditional housing or a unique tiny living experience.
What Is a Tiny House Yurt?
A tiny house yurt combines the traditional circular structure of a yurt with modern tiny home amenities. These unique dwellings offer an alternative to conventional housing, blending nomadic roots with contemporary minimalist living.
History and Origin of Yurts
Yurts originated in Central Asia over 3,000 years ago. Nomadic tribes in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey used these portable round tents as shelter. The design allowed for quick assembly and disassembly, ideal for their mobile lifestyle.
Traditional yurts consisted of a wooden frame covered with animal skins or felt. The circular shape provided structural stability and efficient use of materials. Central Asian nomads continue to use yurts today, though modern materials have replaced some traditional components.
In recent decades, yurts have gained popularity in Western countries as alternative housing options. Their simple design and connection to nature appeal to those seeking a minimalist lifestyle.
Characteristics of Tiny House Yurts
Tiny house yurts merge ancient design with modern comforts. They typically range from 12 to 30 feet in diameter, offering 100 to 700 square feet of living space. The circular layout maximizes usable area and creates a unique, open atmosphere.
Key features of tiny house yurts include:
- Domed roof with a central skylight
- Lattice wall structure
- Weatherproof outer covering
- Insulation for year-round comfort
- Modern utilities (plumbing, electricity)
- Custom interior layouts
Tiny house yurts often incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. Some models are portable, while others are built on permanent foundations. Costs vary but generally range from $15,000 to $50,000, making them an affordable housing alternative.
These structures offer flexibility in design and use. Owners can customize interiors to include kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas, and living spaces. The adaptable nature of yurts allows them to serve as full-time residences, vacation homes, or even office spaces.
Design and Construction
Yurt design and construction combine traditional nomadic concepts with modern materials and techniques. These circular structures offer flexibility and efficiency for tiny house living.
Yurt Kits and Custom Options
Yurt kits provide a convenient starting point for building a tiny house. Companies like Shelter Designs offer various sizes, from 16′ to 40′ in diameter. The Raven model, for example, starts at $7,426 for a 16′ yurt, while the 30′ version costs $13,358.
Custom options allow personalization of the structure. Buyers can choose door styles, window placements, and interior layouts. Some larger yurts accommodate framed interior walls, creating multiple rooms within the circular space.
Kits typically include essential components like the lattice wall, rafters, and roof compression ring. Additional features may include insulation, cladding, and a dome skylight.
Wall Panels and Structural Elements
The circular lattice wall forms the yurt’s foundation. It expands accordion-style, providing structural support and defining the living space. Rafters connect the wall to the central compression ring, creating the dome shape.
Wall panels come in various materials, including wood, fabric, or composite options. These panels attach to the lattice, offering insulation and weather protection.
A tension cable wraps around the structure’s perimeter, securing the lattice wall. This design element ensures stability while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Yurts can be highly energy-efficient when properly designed. Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining comfortable temperatures year-round.
Many yurt kits offer multiple insulation layers, including reflective barriers and natural materials like wool. These layers fit between the structural elements and outer covering.
Strategic window placement maximizes natural light and ventilation. Some designs incorporate a central skylight dome, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Heating options include wood stoves, which require careful placement and a heat-resistant hearth pad. A 16-square-foot hearth pad can occupy about 5% of a small yurt’s total floor area.
Legal and Permitting Aspects
Building a tiny house yurt involves navigating various legal requirements and permitting processes. Understanding local regulations and obtaining proper approvals are crucial steps for anyone considering this unique dwelling option.
Building Codes and Zoning Laws
Yurts often fall into a gray area of building codes and zoning laws. Many jurisdictions lack specific regulations for these structures. Some areas classify yurts as temporary dwellings, while others consider them permanent structures.
Local zoning ordinances may restrict yurt placement on residential lots. Setback requirements, minimum square footage rules, and utility connection mandates can impact yurt legality. Some communities have embraced alternative housing, creating special zoning districts for tiny homes and yurts.
Researching local building codes is essential. Some areas require yurts to meet standard housing codes for foundations, insulation, and structural integrity. Others may have more flexible requirements for “camping” structures.
Obtaining Necessary Permits
Securing proper permits is crucial for legal yurt construction. The permitting process varies widely between jurisdictions. Common permits include:
- Building permit
- Zoning permit
- Electrical permit
- Plumbing permit
- Septic system approval
Permit applications typically require detailed site plans, structural drawings, and documentation of compliance with local codes. Some areas may require engineered plans for larger yurts.
Working with local building officials early in the planning process can help identify specific requirements. Many yurt manufacturers offer assistance with permitting, including providing necessary technical specifications.
Permit-Free Tiny House Yurts
Some jurisdictions allow small structures without permits, offering opportunities for permit-free yurts. These exemptions typically apply to buildings under a certain size threshold, often around 120-200 square feet.
Key considerations for permit-free yurts:
- Size limits (e.g., under 200 sq ft in many areas)
- No permanent utilities or foundations
- Compliance with setback requirements
- Possible restrictions on full-time occupancy
North Carolina, for example, exempts “farm buildings” under 200 square feet from building permits in some cases. However, local zoning laws may still apply.
Permit-free options often limit amenities and year-round use. They’re best suited for temporary or seasonal dwellings rather than full-time residences.
Uses of Tiny House Yurts
Tiny house yurts offer versatile living spaces that adapt to various needs and lifestyles. These structures provide flexible solutions for full-time living, temporary accommodations, workspaces, and recreational areas.
As Primary Residences
Tiny house yurts serve as compact yet comfortable primary homes. Their circular design maximizes usable space, allowing for efficient layout of living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Yurts can be customized with lofts for additional sleeping or storage space.
Insulation options make yurts suitable for year-round living in various climates. Many residents appreciate the connection to nature offered by yurts’ large windows and skylights.
Yurts are often more affordable than traditional tiny houses, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $30,000. This makes them an attractive option for those seeking to downsize or embrace minimalist living.
For Glamping and Hospitality
Yurts excel as glamping accommodations and unique hospitality venues. Their quick setup and portability make them ideal for campgrounds, resorts, and eco-tourism sites.
Yurts offer guests a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. They can be equipped with amenities like beds, heating, and even bathrooms for a luxurious camping experience.
Hospitality businesses appreciate yurts’ low environmental impact and ability to blend into natural settings. The circular shape creates a cozy atmosphere that appeals to travelers seeking unique lodging options.
As Workspaces and Home Offices
Tiny house yurts make excellent home offices and remote workspaces. Their open floor plans allow for flexible arrangements of desks, meeting areas, and storage solutions.
Natural light from windows and domes creates a bright, inspiring environment for productivity. The circular shape promotes good acoustics for phone calls and video conferences.
Yurts can be placed on existing property, providing a separate work area that maintains a healthy work-life balance. Their affordability makes them an attractive alternative to building traditional office additions.
Creative and Recreational Spaces
Yurts serve as versatile spaces for creative pursuits and recreational activities. They make ideal art studios, offering ample natural light and space for easels, pottery wheels, or other equipment.
Yoga enthusiasts appreciate yurts as serene practice spaces. The circular shape and dome create a sense of harmony and openness perfect for meditation and movement.
Yurts can also function as music rooms, craft workshops, or writing retreats. Their adaptable interiors allow for easy customization to suit various hobbies and creative endeavors.
Durability and Maintenance
Yurts offer remarkable durability when properly maintained. Their unique design and materials contribute to longevity, while regular care ensures they withstand various weather conditions.
Material Strength and Longevity
Modern yurts utilize robust materials for extended lifespans. Wooden frames, typically made from kiln-dried Douglas fir, form the core structure. These frames can last indefinitely with proper care.
The fabric covers play a crucial role in yurt longevity. Premium synthetic covers can last 15-20 years or more. Traditional felt coverings have shorter lifespans, ranging from 8-15 years.
Wooden yurts offer exceptional durability. Constructed from solid timber, they resist rot and insect damage. With proper treatment and maintenance, wooden yurts can last for generations.
Weather Resistance and Protection
Yurts are designed to withstand various weather conditions. Their circular shape helps deflect wind, while steep roofs shed snow and rain effectively.
Quality yurt covers provide UV protection and water resistance. Many manufacturers offer additional weatherproofing options like:
- Insulation packages
- Double-wall systems
- Storm windows
These features enhance the yurt’s ability to handle extreme temperatures and harsh weather. Regular inspections of seals and weatherstripping help maintain weather resistance.
Routine Care and Repairs
Regular maintenance significantly extends a yurt’s lifespan. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning the exterior cover
- Checking for loose hardware
- Inspecting the roof for damage
- Treating wooden components
Minor repairs should be addressed promptly to prevent larger issues. Common repairs include:
- Patching small tears in fabric
- Replacing worn weatherstripping
- Tightening loose connections
Proper ventilation helps prevent mold and mildew. Installing a quality ventilation system and using dehumidifiers in humid climates can protect the yurt’s interior.
Living in a Tiny House Yurt
Yurts offer a unique and affordable tiny house living experience. They combine traditional circular design with modern amenities, creating cozy and efficient spaces for those seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Practical Aspects of Daily Life
Living in a tiny house yurt requires thoughtful organization and space utilization. Multifunctional furniture is key, with pieces like fold-out tables and storage ottomans maximizing floor space.
Plumbing can be simple yet effective. Composting toilets reduce water usage, while small on-demand water heaters provide hot showers. Compact kitchens often feature propane stoves and apartment-sized refrigerators.
Heating and cooling present unique challenges in a yurt’s circular space. Wood stoves are popular for warmth, while strategically placed fans help circulate air. Some yurt dwellers install radiant floor heating for energy-efficient comfort.
Storage solutions are crucial. Wall-mounted shelves, under-bed containers, and creative use of vertical space help keep belongings organized without cluttering the living area.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Yurts are inherently energy-efficient due to their compact size and circular shape. Their design minimizes heat loss and allows for natural air circulation.
Solar panels can easily be installed on the roof or nearby, providing clean electricity for lighting and appliances. Some yurt dwellers opt for off-grid systems with battery storage.
Rainwater collection systems work well with yurts, supplying water for gardening and, with proper filtration, household use. Greywater recycling further reduces water consumption.
Composting and small-scale gardening are common practices among yurt residents. Raised beds or container gardens near the yurt provide fresh produce, enhancing self-sufficiency.
Community and Lifestyle Impacts
Yurt living often fosters a strong sense of community. Many yurt dwellers choose to live in intentional communities or eco-villages, sharing resources and knowledge.
The simplicity of yurt life can lead to reduced stress and increased focus on personal relationships and hobbies. Many report feeling more connected to nature due to the thin fabric walls.
Zoning and building codes can be challenges for yurt dwellers. Some areas classify yurts as temporary structures, affecting long-term residency options. Research local regulations before committing to yurt living.
Yurts’ portability allows for flexibility in location. Some owners move their yurts seasonally or explore different areas before settling permanently.
Notable Tiny House Yurt Manufacturers
Several companies have emerged as leaders in the tiny house yurt market, offering innovative designs and high-quality construction. These manufacturers combine traditional yurt principles with modern materials and techniques to create unique living spaces.
Pacific Yurts and Market Leaders
Pacific Yurts stands out as a pioneer in the modern yurt industry. Founded in 1978, the company has set industry standards for quality and design. Their yurts feature durable materials like architectural fabrics and structural components engineered for strength and longevity.
Pacific Yurts offers customizable options, including different sizes, window placements, and interior finishes. Their structures are designed for year-round use in various climates, with insulation packages available for colder regions.
Other market leaders include Colorado Yurt Company and Rainier Outdoor. These manufacturers focus on blending traditional yurt aesthetics with contemporary amenities, catering to customers seeking both simplicity and comfort in their tiny living spaces.
Octobie and Innovative Designs
Octobie represents a new wave of yurt design, offering wood yurt kits that diverge from traditional fabric-based structures. Their 199 SF model exemplifies their innovative approach, providing a permit-free option in many counties.
Octobie’s designs feature high, light-filled ceilings and flexible floor plans. These characteristics allow for versatile use, easily transforming from workspaces to guest cottages.
The company emphasizes sustainability, using eco-friendly materials in their construction. Octobie’s yurts blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, appealing to environmentally conscious tiny house enthusiasts.
Other innovative manufacturers include Smiling Woods Yurts, known for their solid wood wall designs and metal roofs. These companies push the boundaries of traditional yurt construction, offering unique alternatives in the tiny house market.
Customer Experiences and Case Studies
Tiny house yurts have attracted a diverse range of residents and visitors seeking alternative living spaces. Their unique circular design and connection to nature have led to both positive experiences and practical challenges.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Tom, an enthusiast of the Big Bend region in Texas, built a dome house with a Dwarf 4kW wood stove to stay warm during cold desert nights. The compact heating solution proved effective in the harsh climate.
In Portland, Oregon, a couple embraced yurt living to stay close to nature. They transformed their loft bedroom into a plant-filled oasis, creating a serene retreat within the circular structure.
Many residents report feeling more connected to their surroundings and living more intentionally in these compact spaces. The absence of excess clutter and distractions from technology allows for a focused, mindful lifestyle.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Adapting to the unique layout of a yurt can present initial hurdles. Some residents find creative storage solutions essential for maximizing limited space.
Temperature regulation can be challenging in extreme climates. Proper insulation and heating/cooling systems are crucial for year-round comfort.
Zoning regulations and building codes sometimes pose obstacles for those seeking to establish permanent yurt residences. Thorough research of local laws is advised before committing to a yurt home project.
Despite challenges, many yurt dwellers report increased financial freedom and a reduced environmental impact as significant benefits of their lifestyle choice.