Hi folks!
I have just finished a 24' (diameter) Mongolian Yurt, constructed on a deck, built on an acreage in BC Canada. My friend, the landowner, also has one, and has been living in his dwelling for 4 yrs, and has seen winter temperatures down to -30c.
I am interested in discussing these structures with others. In our climate, shelters really need to withstand adverse weather conditions. 80+ mp/h winds and subzero temperatures are not uncommon here. Although many fantastic options are available, price is, and has been, a huge concern for us. I constructed my entire Yurt for less than $800 US.
Breakdown of my setup:
Khanas (wall latices) are comprised of 160 khana sticks, with 5 holes in each
Khanas are bolted together with 5/16 hardware
Rafters (24) are 2x4 construction, 11.6' ft. terminated at a 42" plywood hub, using Hurricane Truss clips, bent, and drilled. Rafter mounted with 1/4" hardware.
Walls were lined with Aluminum Foil Reflectix Bubblewrap and are rated at R 8.3 when used vertically. 6 mil Greenhouse Poly cover the reflectix, followed by used (FREE) decommisioned heavy vinyl Truck Tarps (blue color).
Top was constructed from first Reflectics (R 14.3 horizontal), then a 30x30 (square) polt top, and finally a white weather tarp. This is a cheap method, and we have since switched to using Sileage Tarp, mainly because it is available in 30 ft widths (no tape joints). A 30x100 roll is available for about $160 CDN, and it is 6 mil, black one side, white the other. This is enough material to make three tops, or one top and walls for a Yurt. My landlord went all out and ordered a vinyl 13 guage one piece top, white in color, but it was over $1000. Its main advantage is puncture strength. Give the nature of a Yurt, wind does not affect the structure like ordinary sheds etc., so roof top strength is not a huge issue - more is the method of tying it down. My Yurt top does not leak and we are constantly hammered with rain and recently winds over 100 km/h on occasion. It is however, very noisy inside during these times! I have a window in my top, which offers fantastic ay (and even night) light. If I did again, I would have used clear bubble wrap in the window panel (where the Reflectics is interrupted) instead of poly for better insulation. At the time I thought I wanted the clarity - for more light, but I learned that due to the reflective interior - you dont want "clear" windows of any size, your environment turns more "greenhouse". All of my poly (clear) windows are now covered in white tarps to actually diminish this effect, but still allow light. Clear bubble wrap, (if available in 3' wide) sheets would be ideal, diminished light and insulation.
My Yurt is heated with a small airtight woodstove.
My lighting is mainly achieved by outdoor solar lights, used indoors. They even charge while inside the Yurt, but I often take the out on a rack I made and sit them in the light. On a rainy day they will charge better in my Yurt, under the Skylight than they will outdoors - due to the fact they do not condensate.
Some Pointers:
Do not skip the reflectics. They are essential in any climate both to keep the heat in at night and the heat out during the day. Rememeber reflectics is not insulation - it bounces heat, like a survival blanket. Skipping the reflectics will leave you with a muggy, damp Yurt that may even "rain" inside. An Alternative for Polar climates would be refletics/insulation/reflctics.
My Questions:
My Yurt floor is actually used, free 2x10 planks over the joice work, therefore the ground is under me, no moisture barrier. My skirting is poly to allow light in to control mildew / mold. I have open areas to let air in (but it is VERY important to skirt a Yurt on a deck or the wind will get underneath and inflate your Yurt, believe me its quite the experience, I saw 100 km/h winds inflate my Yurt, and there was nothing actually holding it down! I thought the thing was going to Take OFF! Fortunately it didnt and I got my skirting into place)
Any pointers on further mold control? I am wondering I i shouldnt have removed the forest floor humus (I was rushed and may do that in August when it is nice and dry) I am reluctant to put vapour Barriers under my floor - it will create an environment that connot breathe - right now plants actually live under my Yurt, grow, and stay green. Tree Frogs live under there. This all tells me so far so good - Id ont want to seal and darken the area, I personally beleive moving air and UV are good things.
Anyone want to see pictures?