Brilliant Yurt Design! - Mixing Tradition with Super Modern Construction

In this video, we're meeting Pat from Yurta to get a behind the scenes look at how they make traditional yurts with natural materials while incorporating some very modern design ideas.
These yurts can be set up in just a couple of hours and are built with 3 layers:
- A collapsible wooden frame with a tension cable to determine the height of the structure,
- A wool felt insulation layer that is needled with with a reflective layer to provide breathable insulation,
- An acrylic-coated polyester/cotton outer shell to provide a breathable yet weather resistant cover.
The modern touches that are found in Yurta's yurts, but not in traditional Mongolian yurts, are large windows and a clear dome. The dome can be opened to allow heat to escape and it provides a beautiful natural light even on cloudy days.
Mat and I had fun helping Pat deploy a yurt frame and learning how simple and portable a yurt really is. We also like the fact that it's considered a tent in many places so it's an affordable 4-season tiny house alternative that often doesn't require a building permit. On top that, we're huge fans of building homes with natural, sustainable, renewable materials that have few chemicals in them.
Many people like yurts for their simple design, for their portability, and for the wonderful feeling they get living in a round walled dwelling.
To learn more about Yurta yurts, you can check out their website here:
yurta.ca
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
-------------------------------------------------------------
STAY IN TOUCH!
------------------------------------------------------------
Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat Dubé of Exploring Alternatives.

[@anuuk247]

As a mongolian, This yurt is very mongolian like only it's more modern. He done amazingly creative yurt and I really love this.

[@ElizaDolittle]

I hear traditional yurts are very colorful on the inside. Either way they look so cozy!

[@zgjfinance2796]

As if being Mongolian gives credit but I still trust you lol

[@daulatsinghrathore5997]

How much it cost

[@anuuk247]

@@daulatsinghrathore5997 the cost differs between the sizes, but 850 sq feet traditional ger (that’s what we call yurt) costs around $750.

[@gigigk5472]

I am Turkish but living in Texas half of my life my dream living Yurt one day. Also Yurt means in Turkish your homeland, country before Ottoman Empire most Turkish people are travel and living in similar to Yurt.

[@careya]

Wool is an incredible insulator against both cold and wind. ❤

[@Bonobo3D]

Very beautiful and functional design. Pat's enthusiasm for his work and his skill with refining the traditional design for North America is wonderful.

[@bigmountain7561]

Awesome, taking a idea that is probably if not hundreds but thousands of years old and refining it for our climate. I have a friend who is a missionary in Mongolia I am going to forward this video. Bravo👏 I want one!!

[@salliegallegos918]

Compared to other designs this one is definitely most practical. Love them!

[@sarahjane9526]

Wow fantastic design and all that insulation so much thought has gone in. The attention to detail, taking a traditional design and making it so warm cosy the simplicity yet so user friendly is wonderful

[@willm5814]

Love it - I live in Ontario - although there is not much insulation, it’s also small and simple so it would be inexpensive to heat - I think it would be perfect to have 1 good sized yurta as the main living area heated by wood pellet stove - then 2 small yurts, one on each side, with small electric heaters - 1 small yurt for bedroom and the other for bathroom

[@magicdaveable]

This is by far the very best design I have ever seen.

[@ladonnarhoads2786]

I really enjoy how you edit the videos, how you allow your subject to be heard.

[@j.delacruzbravo]

I'd love this as a guest house.

[@johnfriesen4725]

What incredible structures! Thank you for sharing. I dream of such beautiful simplicity in my life.

[@kittyfantastic7681]

So I am looking at putting up a Yurt in a tropical environment. What changes in the linings can I make to better handle humidity, heat, and bugs?

[@laurieannyandabyrd5402]

So many Countries have so many neat tent...Yurt type structures. Very Nice.

[@big30o6]

One of the nicest Yurt I have seen. Good materials and construction.

[@johncnorris]

Fantastic! This video has the highest yurt rate per minute of any other I've watched. Did I mention I love the word yurt?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha, thanks John :) We love that word too!

[@wordreet]

Maybe so, but the method is all wrong.

[@johncnorris]

wordreet I'm not sure what you mean. I view this project as a blend of old ideas with modern techniques.

[@wordreet]

John Norris No no, you just put some milk in a pan and warm it up for a while, then leave it for a while. Easy! :¬P

[@drich5259]

John Norris I wish I didn't read that, can't stop hearing yurt now hahaha

[@sikhulilenyathi9292]

I was inspired by your video,and I am going to make such designs for my African continent.I will however use grass thatch for the roof.

[@queenlittlebooty8252]

Make a video I'm watching from Jamaica

[@mikelewis6629]

Beautiful product -- well done. I like that they didn't try to reinvent the wheel.

[@elaniadido]

Muy buena manera de construir un espacio interesante, con ideas innovadoras. Felicito al diseñador y constructor de estas cabañas tipo yurtas mongolas. Una forma práctica de crear un ambiente acogedor para recibir amigos en cualquier época del año.

[@iazibo3]

I've known about the Yurt for many years. It's California dreaming for tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.

[@vanessaemilie3660]

As german scouts we use yurts too. But ours are a very different design. We use to make fire in the middle and it's designed to be put up and down very quickly and for only a couple of weeks in maximum. There is also a german youtube channel called Jurtenland which mostly talks about black yurts in particular.

[@xxxxxBJxxxxx]

Black yurts matter

[@kurlylocksdoesgameskldg2857]

xxxxxBJxxxxx hahahahaa you made my day

[@MarvinLStohs]

Some yurts matter

[@ikimmy87]

xxxxxBJxxxxx lmao... too funny

[@kathymack3791]

I really like the portability of this design and the way the framework goes up. The one thing about using such an open lattice frame is I don't think it feels as safe as a typical lattice frame.

[@jimmartin7899]

A stretch outer cover treated with ever dry that has door and window openings. That stretch over a aluminum skeleton with the stretch cover securing to the window and door frames with the windows and doors slipping in from the outside and swivel latched on the inside to the aluminum frame for a weather right fit. Then a insulated inner cover that is attached to aluminum skeleton with push pin fasteners. Design the whole thing in two sections like a circle cut in have to make it easy to move around. Then design the top to push open into a dome sliding shingles and the bottom to be the base. A lite weight portable yurt that you could even add a loft or second floor depending on the size you make. Be really cool to have one of them bests a a tent any day.

[@stringbender57]

Absolutely well done video. The Yurt fascinates me and this was a very informative video. Thanks guys!

[@talkinglens1]

Excellent job! Nice upgrades to the original design.

[@qristv1912]

i bet it would be good to see the stars through the clear piece in the yurt

[@666zerowolf]

Pat is a brilliant man....a hard worker too!!!

[@HiMATE626]

I think they look amazing and would love some to fit onto a living area making a house but I don't know if my belongings or person would be secure enough

[@nikaroy2056]

Hello Guys! The typical question is : how is it doing in winter? I'm in Quebec, and it can get down to -45C sometimes, and I was wondering if it could work well with a little rocket wood stove? Thank you for the great video! :)

[@willm5814]

Also love the technical and sustainable nature of your design - so well done!

[@peaceblossom8]

Wow, this looks beautiful and very well thought-out!

[@uygarbocutoglu4465]

"Yurt" is a Turkish word that is still being used for dormitories. Also we call our country as our "yurt". These traditional turkish tents are still being used on higher altitudes here in our country. In summer we climb to higher altitudes for fresh and cool air and also to feed our animals. Soo we still do use exactly same tents here. People living their whole life in these tents are called "Yörük" people. The word comes from "yürümek" verb. Which means "to walk" in Turkish. These people (my ancestors used to as well) stay in these tents whole their lifes travelling to lands of grass for their animals and trading. You can easily come accross with such huge families if you are travelling around Toros Mountains region. One important thing is that we prefer goat wool rather than sheep. That is because goat wool is better for climate controlling. It keeps warmer in winter and cooler in summer and much more retardant to fire and water. That is surely a fact. Unfortunately it is not easy to find such spinned and woven goat wool these days. Like my grandma used to do and i loved to watch. Fabricated stuff do not work as well as experienced. You must go up the mountains or wait for them come down once in a summer. Any one who is willing to reach the sources for real can reach me here. Best regards. | "Yurtta sulh cihanda sulh" "Peace at home peace in the world" Mustafa Kemal Atatürk |

[@MarvinLStohs]

Old Mongol word meaning---"Can't afford a house"

[@arisimonian6870]

Is the word genocide in the turkish dictionary by any chance?

[@cat_pb]

this was a great explanation!! thank you!!

[@danielweston9188]

Lack of timber in Mongolia was a major factor in the development of the Yurt . . . Also try pulling a mobile home on the steppes. . . .

[@emellefarmer5146]

The word yurt is Mongolian, likely brought to Turkey by Genghis Khan and the them.

[@MaskMasterEsquire]

Nice yurts however this makes me soooo glad that I purchased a Jaia Yurt (New Zealand). My yurt is a handmade work of art.

[@CiecieNewson]

Awesome. What a great structure to have by a river for summer relaxation. I'd like one of these lovely buildings. ~Smile!

[@ikimmy87]

Ciecie Newson yes indeed 😊😊🌼🌹🏵

[@Toytatu]

Yesss I would love this too, I wonder could one be bought for less..

[@jamessmaby8758]

Not for $10.000

[@mickyunit]

This would be great as a backyard spa retreat!

[@mysoutherngardeningjourney]

Very briefly, we considered this when looking at "green" house alternative. But, hard to keep comfy where winters get cold and summers are often 100 degrees.

[@susanmartin870]

You can add a stove vent to them so that they are heated with a tiny stove.

[@kareywhaley2526]

Beautiful, I would love to live in one! Thanks for the amazing video.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@oldthudman]

Watched a Vid of the "step people" assemble a Ger/yurt. Depending on the season it will have a 2-3 inch cover (or two) then an outer layer......Quite cozy with stove goin'.

[@MariusHofert]

Would be interesting to know if they thought of lightnings hitting the tent... Certainly one bigger issue in comparison to a standard house. I know this might be too much to ask, but it would be good to know whether they at least have an idea for how a Faraday cage could be provided (maybe through the skeleton if a different material is used?)

[@ronsmith1364]

One of my peeves about tiny houses and the lack of storm protection unless its a berm type.

[@sadeyzful]

impressive sample to make a perfect home.

[@KentGriswold]

Great video, I've been a fan of their yurt for quite a few years and shown them off on the Tiny House Blog. Your video really brings it to life though as I've never seen one of the Yurtas in person. Thank you!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you Kent! We wanted to illustrate the whole assembly process and make it as clear as possible so I'm happy you enjoyed the video =)

[@jasonmgomez]

LOVE his Charger hard hat. Go Bolts!

[@jasonmgomez]

2:24 just behind his shoulder.

[@jasonmgomez]

2:24 just behind his shoulder

[@tjinnes]

Very nicely done. The best of old and new.

[@youngcoogikid]

I truly appreciate that your a perfectionist. I love the design. Thanks for a great detailed video.....

[@grege.5687]

Awesome! This video answered a lot of questions for me :) Thank you both!

[@josephfelice601]

that floor is going to be FREEEEEEEEEZING.

[@susanmartin870]

No the floor gets insulated too.

[@carolynjordan4633]

Is, that yurt, tied down some how? In, Case of bad high winds.? Great job.🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

Looks like a very well thought out design. My only question is did you look at insulating the floor?

[@ronsmith1364]

That Dome is so sweet.

[@stormwinters6634]

I would love one of these

[@johnyracercat]

How would this hold up when compared to a log cabin for the long run? Just a thought. Although, you could replace the entire Yurt many times for the same cost, I'm sure.

[@mysoutherngardeningjourney]

You definitely don't want to build one of these in Tornado Alley. ;)

[@ronsmith1364]

cedar,locust,redwood

[@peaceandlove544]

Woooo!!!! No indoor pumbling yet? Once it happens it will superseed any tiny home.

[@jerrylundly9971]

Beautifull yurt .I love it

[@mitchellmaytorena1137]

This is an awesome channel! You guys deserve way more subscribers. I'm going to have to shout your channel out to friends and family on social media.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much Mitchell! Happy you're enjoying our channel and thanks for sharing it with friends :)

[@robertbrown1439]

HE DID NOT MENTION ,HOW LONG YURT COVER LAST? LOVE TO KNOW I LIKE THEM

[@dianner6637]

Wow! Really lovely.

[@Takeru006]

wonderful design

[@abhinavsirohi]

Excellent yurt

[@AGM-ts5bb]

Love it! So many alternative housing info in Ontario and Quebec! Fellow Ontarian.

[@shlarry3184]

That looks super portable.

[@shlarry3184]

Even the deck is portable, nice.

[@aidanbrexit4326]

Great job! I only wonder if we might see light weigh aluminum used rather than wood which is rot proof, stronger and similar in weight. Just an idea

[@batochirenkhbayar6419]

Тhank you from Mongolia

[@gaetanproductions]

Beautiful design

[@markoramius9215]

Excellent video, You-rts rock!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching Marko!

[@MP-vk2fb]

I would love to live in one of those

[@Avacarho]

Very beautiful and innovative modern design. Now, if they could only come up one for the Native American teepee.

[@avalorino6130]

You sold me. im joining the yurt gang!!

[@reformedchinesecommunist]

Did you ?

[@whiteafricannun3377]

@@reformedchinesecommunist nope

[@reformedchinesecommunist]

@@whiteafricannun3377 thanks

[@MrGotmymojoworkin]

Just beautiful . Congratulations. ♥

[@angelaobrien9050]

I'm so inspired after watching your video. Do you have a kit that you sell for others to build the same yurt as this one?

[@JanColdwater]

I have been thinking... is it feasible to use a yurt structure and skin it with light straw clay? I think it would be beautiful, more durable and warm/cool for a more permanent structure.

[@andreias6535]

Love your videos guys! thank you for the great work :) all the best

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback! Happy you're enjoying the videos :)

[@chauffeurpro]

best presentation well done

[@easysqueezee4997]

i really liked your talent for quality.very informative.good job on video,great job on yurt

[@carolynjordan4633]

How sturdy is that when the wind is blowing thirty mile winds.

[@iamthetinkerman]

I can only dream of one of those!

[@maryshaffer8474]

These seem to be cheaper than many tiny homes and moveable.

[@debrawolf8458]

I wish I had the money for one. I'd live in it year round.

[@WannaBFree]

I really like the YURT idea. Nice video.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks WannaBFree =)

[@bosse641]

Very nice. ...would love to live in one.

[@tittiger]

What are those jacks holding up the deck? I would like to take a closer look at them. TIA

[@jothybaran6801]

Wow thats very good .

[@ShockNova]

totally in love with these.

[@vaneztax]

Impressive. It would be more independent of the grid if you have solar panels. I would feel at home with this tent.

[@meguto]

As western people you are well at design something, as well as killing everything what has spirit. the yurt/ger/boz üy has a spirit in it, everything inside the yurt is well optimized for energy flow and respect to nature elements. The thing you created is a architectural blunder and nothing more. That is why as eastern people we are not happy to show our tradition cause you are changing everything to something can sell. You are well about stone and concrete, keep doing this.

[@brucenolan4384]

Had a friend who lived a yurt and it was great and your space, and Zen...but the question is, how much does it cost and do you ship to places like Thailand? Thanks for the informative video. I've subscribed and want to see your vids.

[@CariadMiss]

How does this structure bear up under deep snows where it goes down to -40 degrees F. Especially if it is unoccupied for periods of time. Thanks for your advice.

[@artstrology]

My wife and I spent the winter in one the year it was regularly dipping to 20 below. The yurt was great but the stove we had sucked and the wood we were burning was not the best. It would have to be winterized if there is water pipes , the same as any house if it's not being heated. We are about to build our own, and will be taking some things from this guys design, particularly the floor where we will use a sandwich of plywood with 4 " iso between it. I'm gonna use 3/4 " advantech for the plywood layers. It doesn't shrink and is resistant to water.

[@johnransom9039]

Like all the attention to Canadian winters But why isn't the door insulated with perhaps a round window?

[@GatorLife57]

Thumbs up. .... .... ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE

[@liselefebvre3652]

très bien penser pour une Yaourt moderne et d'une facilité de montage reste a savoir si les matériaux son fiable dans le temps. et surtout le prix. mais pour ma par j'aime bien.

[@shrinivasprabhakaran]

Brilliant design

[@ScottHaneyHello]

Great video, y'all!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching Scott :)

[@d.w.john.6354]

Love your material,what about second floor

[@MarvinLStohs]

Me and a Walrus both like a tight Seal !!!

[@justanotherday5531]

Great information! Thank you for the video.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome Lynn :)

[@moomman89]

Excellent

[@tomhirschel8524]

Inspirational. Great video :)

[@tomhirschel8524]

House of 3 tents / California. Not the Yurts!

[@marissavaneck1358]

This is all well and good, but...where do you shower, cook, go to the bathroom, and so forth? And what do you do for electricity?

[@KrissD41]

You could use a composting toilet for bathing we you would have to get creative. There are inflatable bathtubs you could make a little makeshift bathroom off to the side heck make a yurtbath lol. Electricity well there are inside solar generators you can get to have power at least this is what I would do if I could afford to buy or have one built for me

[@kateroberts3648]

Are you in the business of making yurts? I really like the expandable inside that you have and I can see where that would be lightweight. I really like your yurt. Kate

[@DuncanCunningham]

The next $10K I have sitting around, I'll get one. Looks well made.

[@bluebukkitdev8069]

Build one for 2k

[@indigodragon7129]

A qunsa hut type yurt. design a bamboo box with a bamboo roller at the top off each lid with a crank with the box being able to store six bamboo poles and four bamboo wall panels that you connect at the top and bottom with one having a built in door and the other a frameless window that yo place into the base for the front and rear panel. Then have bamboo rings on the back of each wall panel to place the bamboo poles. Then attach weather proofed bamboo frabic outer covering using two people lift and cover structure and attach to other side of base then just use cranks to tighten down outer layer to structure. For cold weather have another set of bamboo poles and apply inner insulating layer. What do you think about this design?

[@helend222]

Brilliant

[@cryptoforeveryone2689]

When you hear someone who sounds like they have an American accent say "North America" you know they are Canadian. I like that. 6:40

[@ALuckyLassIAm]

You're so right 😂