YurtSpecialists.com
- Makers & suppliers of traditional yurts

An ecological approach to living...

If you are simply looking for a sustainable/ eco living space or an area that is comfortable to just relax in, away from the pressures of everyday living, a yurt provides the perfect answer! Living in a yurt gives a feeling of being closer and more in harmony with nature. You can stargaze through the central roof ring, or seal up the yurt and stoke up a wood burning stove and enjoy the ultimate cozy chill out area for all seasons. We at Yurt specialists would love to help you to live that dream!

Our yurts are designed and built in an eco - friendly environment that achieves a high degree of self sufficiency. We have a specific structural design that maximizes solar gain, and also makes use of wind to cool down the interior temperature.

The willow, pine and elm wood we source is from nationally approved suppliers in Inner Mongolia, China. A sustainable wood source supply is essential to our business. Our yurt wooden frame includes roof ring, rafters, khana, door and dragon supports (only suitable for yurts larger than 6.7m diameter).

To allow extra light into your yurt, there are three roll up windows. These are triple layered with a removable clear PVC layer, mosquito netting and fabric layer. All yurts also come with an additional transparent roof crown cover, and a door with a double pane window to maximize natural sun light for the yurt.

This Mongolian style of yurt is suitable for all weathers, which means it is warm in the winter, yet cool in the summer. They are insulated with a layer of thick felt to withstand night time temperatures. Traditionally, additional rugs and blankets are also hung from the inner framework to provide both added insulation in extreme weather and decoration. On a hot summer’s day, the perimeter cover is simply rolled up at the bottom to provide a breeze within the yurt.

 

In larger yurts, some of our customers have even constructed structural partition walls which can be fitted within the yurt to provide a separate shower room and toilet. This was combined with a sustainable water recycling system, set up outside of the yurt, which can recycle shower water to use for flushing toilets and reuse grey water.

A good Stove is essential for yurt dwellers, both for heating purposes, and cooking. All our yurts are provided with an additional crown cover with a 125mm (5”) flue hole fitted.

When SELECTING A STOVE for your yurt you must firstly consider the size of the area you need to heat. There are many different types of stoves, and certain designs are more suited to yurts. Next, you need to consider the stoves heat output. The following stove suppliers come recommended by our customers. They will be able to match you up with the perfect stove for your yurt.

www.fourdog.com (US based supplier, great quality products and very reasonable prices for the most efficient stoves on the market)
www.stovesonline.co.uk  (UK based, specifically their RS workshop stoves)
www.windysmithy.co.uk  (another highly recommended UK supplier)
www.soulpad.co.uk   (their 'blaze' wood burners are ideal for smaller yurts)

Lastly also try www.eBay.co.uk  there are some great bargains to be found. Try a search for 'pipsqueak' stoves.

Yurt users, who are interested in self sufficiency and environmentally friendly power supplies, could try free standing solar power. It is is great for low-power uses, such as providing lighting, laptop/ mobile power and even small fridges. For solar green energy ideas, please see the following websites: shop.freesolarenergy.co.uk/; www.solarshop.co.uk/solar-motor-home-caravan-boat-kits.htm

Wind powered turbines are also a popular option for yurt users, small modern wind generators designed for boats and caravans can be very quiet and ideal for generating additional electricity when sunlight is not sufficient. You can find some useful products to use from the following website: www.windtrap.co.uk/Home_Wind_Turbine_Kits.htm  

 


Some yurt users install under floor heating systems (usually electricity based, as water systems can be less reliable in the winter months). When correctly installed they provide an efficient ambient heat source for any yurt.

A checklist to make your yurt more energy efficient

  • Windows and doors should be orientated within 30 degrees towards a southern direction to maximise the solar gain. – at no extra cost
  • Use the transparent roof crown cover to let more light in through the Roof Ring, which will provide additional sunlight/heat. – at no extra cost
  • In hotter regions extra natural ventilation is provided by rolling up the bottom of fabric wall layer and windows, as well as removing the roof crown cover. – no extra cost
  • Use of natural material, i.e. horse hair ropes. – no extra cost
  • The use of a thick felt thermal mass to sustain the yurts indoor temperature. To cope with extreme cold winter weather (as low as -5ºC) – with an additional option for the extra thick sheep’s wool layer, suitable for even the coldest winters.
  • Solar panels or wind turbines generate electricity, with any exceeded amount being stored for future use, or sold back to the national grid – please see the website link for these products
  • An efficient wood burning stove to provide essential heat and cooking facilities.

© 2010 Yurtspecialists. All rights are reserved.