Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a wooden yurt? How do these unique structures blend the charm of traditional yurts with the benefits of modern materials? What makes them an excellent choice for glamping or even full-time living? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and more.
We’ll explore the durability and insulation benefits of wooden yurts, making them a comfortable and year-round living option. Curious about how easy they are to build? We’ll cover that too, highlighting top companies in the USA, Canada, and the UK that offer easy-to-assemble kits. And if you’re concerned about permits and regulations, we’ve got you covered with essential information to ensure your wooden yurt meets all necessary standards. Get ready to discover why wooden yurts are becoming a popular choice for those looking for a unique, eco-friendly, and versatile living space.
Regular Yurts for Glamping on Sale
Our Guide to Wooden Yurts
Introduction to Wooden Yurts
Definition and Concept
Wooden yurts are an innovative take on the traditional yurt. At their core, they maintain the classic round shape and central skylight that yurts are known for. What sets them apart is the use of wood for the walls and roof instead of the usual fabric. This makes them more durable and better insulated, offering the cozy feel of a cabin with the unique aesthetics of a yurt. So, you’re getting the best of both worlds – the charm and simplicity of a yurt combined with the sturdiness and comfort of a wooden structure.
Historical Background
The history of yurts dates back thousands of years. Traditionally, they were used by nomadic cultures in Central Asia, including Mongolians and Turks. These nomads needed portable homes that could withstand harsh climates, and the yurt’s design was perfect for this. They could be easily taken down, transported, and set up again, making them ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.
Over time, the concept of yurts spread and evolved. In recent years, people have started using modern materials like wood to construct yurts, enhancing their durability and insulation. This evolution has made yurts a popular choice for those looking for unique and sustainable housing options, blending ancient design with contemporary comforts.
By combining the traditional circular layout with modern wooden construction, these yurts provide a unique living experience that honors their historical roots while meeting today’s standards of comfort and durability.
Benefits of Wooden Yurts
Durability and Insulation
One of the main advantages of wooden yurts is their durability. Unlike traditional fabric yurts, wooden yurts have solid walls and roofs that can withstand harsh weather conditions. This makes them ideal for year-round living, even in areas with extreme temperatures or heavy snowfall. The sturdy construction ensures they last longer and require less maintenance compared to their fabric counterparts.
Insulation is another significant benefit. Wooden yurts provide much better insulation than fabric ones. The thick wooden walls help keep the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer, creating a comfortable living environment all year round. This improved insulation can also lead to energy savings, as it reduces the need for heating and cooling systems.
Customization and Aesthetics
Wooden yurts are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs and tastes. You can choose from various types of wood, each offering different looks and levels of durability. The exterior can be finished in a way that complements the natural surroundings, making your yurt blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Inside, the customization options are almost endless. You can add features like lofts for additional sleeping or storage space, custom windows to let in natural light, and unique doors to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Some wooden yurts also offer options for built-in furniture and shelving, maximizing the use of space and making the interior both functional and stylish.
Additionally, you can choose the roof style and materials, such as metal or shingles, to suit your preferences and local climate conditions. The ability to personalize your wooden yurt makes it not just a home, but a reflection of your lifestyle and design sensibilities.
Uses and Applications
Vacation Homes and Rentals
Wooden yurts are becoming increasingly popular for vacation homes and glamping rentals. Their unique and eye-catching design makes them a standout choice for eco-friendly and off-the-grid accommodations. Many glamping sites feature wooden yurts due to their durability and the comfortable, cozy atmosphere they provide.
Glamping, a blend of “glamorous” and “camping,” offers a luxury camping experience, and wooden yurts fit this niche perfectly. They provide the rustic charm of traditional camping while ensuring modern comforts such as proper insulation, heating, and even amenities like kitchens and bathrooms. This balance of nature and comfort is what attracts many vacationers looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Glamping businesses often choose wooden yurts because they are relatively easy to set up and maintain compared to more traditional structures. Their round shape and natural materials also help them blend into scenic landscapes, enhancing the overall guest experience. Additionally, wooden yurts can be designed to include large windows or skylights, offering stunning views of the surrounding environment and allowing guests to feel closer to nature.
Full-Time Living
While this article focuses on glamping uses, it’s worth mentioning that wooden yurts are also an excellent option for full-time living. They can be equipped with all the amenities of a traditional home, including full kitchens, bathrooms, and even loft spaces for sleeping or storage. The solid wood construction provides excellent insulation, making them comfortable in both summer and winter. For those looking for a unique and sustainable lifestyle, wooden yurts offer a cozy and efficient living space that can be customized to fit individual needs.
Studios and Workspaces
Wooden yurts aren’t just for living or vacationing; they also make fantastic studios, home offices, or creative workspaces. The serene environment they provide, combined with natural light from large windows or skylights, makes them ideal for artistic pursuits or remote work. Many people find that the circular design of yurts fosters a sense of calm and focus, which can enhance productivity and creativity.
Whether used for painting, writing, or other creative endeavors, a wooden yurt offers a quiet retreat away from the distractions of daily life. For those working from home, it provides a dedicated space that separates work from home activities, helping maintain a healthy work-life balance. The ability to design the interior to meet specific needs means that each yurt can be tailored to create the perfect workspace.
By focusing on these uses, especially glamping, you can highlight how versatile and appealing wooden yurts are for a variety of applications. They offer a unique blend of traditional charm and modern convenience, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine comfort with a connection to nature.
Building and Installation
Ease of Assembly
Wooden yurt kits are designed to be easy to assemble, making them a great DIY project for families or groups of friends. Many companies provide detailed manuals and support to guide you through the process. With a few basic tools and some helping hands, you can set up a wooden yurt in a few days. This ease of assembly is one of the key attractions of wooden yurts, as it reduces the need for professional construction services and allows for a more personal connection to your new home or glamping site.
Top Companies Offering Wooden Yurt Kits:
- Freedom Yurt-Cabins (USA): Known for their high-quality wooden yurt kits, Freedom Yurt-Cabins offer detailed assembly instructions and support to ensure a smooth building process. Their kits are designed for durability and comfort, making them a popular choice for glamping sites and full-time residences.
- Smiling Woods Yurts (USA): Smiling Woods Yurts provide thoughtfully crafted wooden yurt kits with options for solid wood walls and metal roofs. They emphasize ease of assembly and offer various customization options.
- Cedar Yurts (Canada): Cedar Yurts specializes in handcrafted cedar yurt kits that are well-insulated and easy to assemble. Their kits are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, ideal for glamping and vacation homes.
- Woodland Yurts (UK): Woodland Yurts, based in the UK, specializes in crafting bespoke wooden yurts that combine traditional design with modern materials to create beautiful, durable, and comfortable living spaces for various uses, from glamping to full-time residences
Permits and Regulations
When it comes to building a wooden yurt, understanding local permits and regulations is crucial. Some wooden yurts meet building codes for residential structures, while others might require special permits.
Key Points to Consider:
- Building Codes: Check local building codes to ensure your wooden yurt complies with residential standards. This often includes meeting insulation and structural requirements.
- Permitting Process: Start by contacting your local building authority to understand the specific permits needed. This might include site plans, structural engineering reports, and inspections.
- Zoning Regulations: Make sure the land where you plan to build is zoned for the type of structure you’re erecting. Some areas might have restrictions on non-traditional homes.
Companies like Freedom Yurt-Cabins and Smiling Woods Yurts often provide guidance on the permitting process, helping you navigate local regulations to ensure your project complies with all necessary requirements.
By choosing a reputable company and understanding the local regulations, you can ensure a smooth and successful build, whether you’re creating a cozy glamping retreat or a full-time home.
Full-time World Travel Writer who runs multiple websites and social media accounts. I have spoken at various conferences around the world. Some of my hobbies include adventure, fitness and new technologies. I am also a trekkie!