Yurt-Inspired Homes Around the World
Because everybody yurts ... sometimes
If you like yurts, you’re not alone. Yurts inspire us; they dare us to dream, connect with nature and break away from the everyday. One of the best things about yurts is that the interior is often so different to their exterior.
Yurts have been used as primary dwellings by nomadic cultures in Central Asia (particularly Mongolia) for thousands of years. One of the main reasons for the yurt’s design was that they were able to be quickly set up or taken down, which was crucial to Mongolian nomads who historically moved three to four times a year. Modern yurt-inspired homes, however, are designed more for comfort and style than for the practicality of moving. Here are some intriguing round homes that are reminiscent of yurts past.
Yurts have been used as primary dwellings by nomadic cultures in Central Asia (particularly Mongolia) for thousands of years. One of the main reasons for the yurt’s design was that they were able to be quickly set up or taken down, which was crucial to Mongolian nomads who historically moved three to four times a year. Modern yurt-inspired homes, however, are designed more for comfort and style than for the practicality of moving. Here are some intriguing round homes that are reminiscent of yurts past.
Coastal living in Vancouver
Historically, yurts were made to withstand the very windy conditions of flat un-forested grassland, or steppes. This home’s location beside the water is a diversion from this, but it also makes a lot of sense. The traditional yurt design has here been strengthened with the use of contemporary materials, but the features that remain are the traditional wooden lattice walls and straight rafters.
There are more architectural differences in the modern yurt seen here, however, such as an acrylic dome skylight and the addition of windows. The strong winds that can be part and parcel of living on the coast make the durability of yurt designs and construction appropriate.
Historically, yurts were made to withstand the very windy conditions of flat un-forested grassland, or steppes. This home’s location beside the water is a diversion from this, but it also makes a lot of sense. The traditional yurt design has here been strengthened with the use of contemporary materials, but the features that remain are the traditional wooden lattice walls and straight rafters.
There are more architectural differences in the modern yurt seen here, however, such as an acrylic dome skylight and the addition of windows. The strong winds that can be part and parcel of living on the coast make the durability of yurt designs and construction appropriate.
Pushing the boundaries in San Francisco
Luxe homes with yurt-inspired elements are an anomaly, but they’re also an interesting take on the traditional portable dwellings. Modern elements have been introduced to the pictured house of the earth. The rebuilding of the roof allowed for adequate ventilation and a more sophisticated lighting and electrical system, while the expansive glass gives stunning views to the surrounding giant redwoods, and makes the house feel bigger.
Read about this house of the earth
Luxe homes with yurt-inspired elements are an anomaly, but they’re also an interesting take on the traditional portable dwellings. Modern elements have been introduced to the pictured house of the earth. The rebuilding of the roof allowed for adequate ventilation and a more sophisticated lighting and electrical system, while the expansive glass gives stunning views to the surrounding giant redwoods, and makes the house feel bigger.
Read about this house of the earth
Glorious glamping in London
Who would have thought of putting a bathtub in a yurt? Glamorous decorating aside, this yurt-inspired home also takes on some more traditional elements – like the hole at the centre of the domed top – and turns them on their head. The traditional purpose of the hole at the centre of a yurt’s domed top was to allow for the smoke from wood fires to escape, and also to let sunlight in.
Who would have thought of putting a bathtub in a yurt? Glamorous decorating aside, this yurt-inspired home also takes on some more traditional elements – like the hole at the centre of the domed top – and turns them on their head. The traditional purpose of the hole at the centre of a yurt’s domed top was to allow for the smoke from wood fires to escape, and also to let sunlight in.
Aiming high in Athens
Elements of yurt-style dwellings can be found in this extravagant circular treehouse in Athens, Greece. Positioned among a collection of mature pine trees, this treehouse includes a kitchen, bathroom and living area. From the outside, you would never guess that it features high-tech gadgets like a biometric fingerprint lock, as well as a plasma TV and multiple game consoles. The design and construction also considered eco elements by using sustainable construction materials, such as certified soft wood timber.
Elements of yurt-style dwellings can be found in this extravagant circular treehouse in Athens, Greece. Positioned among a collection of mature pine trees, this treehouse includes a kitchen, bathroom and living area. From the outside, you would never guess that it features high-tech gadgets like a biometric fingerprint lock, as well as a plasma TV and multiple game consoles. The design and construction also considered eco elements by using sustainable construction materials, such as certified soft wood timber.
Daring to be different in Los Angeles
One of the best things about traditional and modern yurts is that you can never guess what’s on the inside from their outward appearance. This yurt is a lot of things, but boring it is not. Located in Los Angeles, the rich colours and arch details of this yurt give off an almost circus-like vibe.
One of the best things about traditional and modern yurts is that you can never guess what’s on the inside from their outward appearance. This yurt is a lot of things, but boring it is not. Located in Los Angeles, the rich colours and arch details of this yurt give off an almost circus-like vibe.
This yurt bedroom is outrageously dramatic, from its bold, bright and warm colours to its burled stools and tables. The traditional hole at the top of its ceiling is in the style of traditional yurts, but everything else is unconventional and exciting.
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Community living in Santa Barbara
This dwelling in California is located on a former citrus farm. Landscape designer Kim Ainsworth first lived in one of the yurts on the 32,000 square metre block of land, and learnt details like which way the sun sets and where the wind blows from most often.
This gave her clarity on what exactly she wanted to build. Ainsworth’s original yurt is currently occupied by a family friend, and mixes ranch-style living with an element of whimsy. This opportunity to create an ‘unintentional community’ is one possibility inspired by the yurt lifestyle.
This dwelling in California is located on a former citrus farm. Landscape designer Kim Ainsworth first lived in one of the yurts on the 32,000 square metre block of land, and learnt details like which way the sun sets and where the wind blows from most often.
This gave her clarity on what exactly she wanted to build. Ainsworth’s original yurt is currently occupied by a family friend, and mixes ranch-style living with an element of whimsy. This opportunity to create an ‘unintentional community’ is one possibility inspired by the yurt lifestyle.
TELL US
What do you like most about these yurt-inspired homes? have you ever stayed in a yurt yourself? Tell us in the Comments.
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Read more about interesting architecture
What do you like most about these yurt-inspired homes? have you ever stayed in a yurt yourself? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Read more about interesting architecture
One thing both traditional and modern yurt-inspired homes have in common is a love of nature; they are usually more integrated into their surroundings than traditional city-based homes. The pictured cabin in Victoria’s Central Highlands is part of a two-stage residential project, including a cabin and a house. The site is a part of a forest full of stringybark woodland, and makes the most of combining nature and functional living.
See more of this project in Melbourne