With evidence proving its existence up until about the 13th Century, yurts have been an environmentally conscious and efficient form of housing that is just as luxurious as it is practical! It is called "glamping" for a reason (meaning glamorous camping). What the Central Asian nomadic tribes used as their primary and mobile residence, yurts did not make an impact in the United States until just about the 1960’s when they were introduced.

Practical for much more than just being a home, the dwellings have been employed as everything from campgrounds and campsites to yoga houses and spas; not to mention primary residences as well! Why stay in flimsy vulnerable tents when a yurt can provide you with all the modern necessities while still being one with nature?

When it comes to efficiency, a yurt reigns supreme.

A structure that responds to the current weather, yurts are incredibly efficient and endless comfort as their design allows them to remain warm during the winter and cool throughout summer. The circular walls are what allow the wind to easily maneuver around the house and provide less surface area for heat to escape. What keeps the roof up is a compression ring and tension band that creates a self-sustaining support system not requiring extra internal beams that would break up the open floor plan inside.

Yurts are environmentally friendly

What makes the yurts, or "gers" as they were referred to in the past, environmentally friendly is how the formation sits on the ground. Built on a raised platform from the ground, the beams take up little to no surface area within the environment allowing life to continue within the land as it did before. The fabrics used to insulate and cover the dwelling has a minimal eco-footprint and even promotes less chemical sensitivities that some people have to traditional contemporary building materials.

In addition, not only are the yurts eco-friendly, they also do not stick out in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape but blend in effortlessly. The cedar round walls and cone-shaped roof fit in with forest scenery much better than a normal box structure would.

Yurts give the user flexibility.

The framework of the yurt is so proficient and well-planned that it allows for the structure to endure earthquakes, heavy winds, and snowfall. Due to their design and mobility, these buildings would be a great fit in almost any part of the world. Those hoping to relocate every few years can transfer their homes from mountainous areas to coastal beach towns if desired, and that feature is what makes this type of alternative housing so attractive to travelers.

What is truly remarkable about yurts is the openness of the layouts without any beams or interior walls sectioning off certain spaces. The roof is what allows for this type of open space, as stated earlier. The only reason for a partition or interior wall within a yurt is if the owner wants it to divide the space, otherwise, they are unnecessary. As open as the floor plans are, the structure itself is just as easy-going! The buildings can be used for just about anything and can be constructed in many different locations from coastal beaches to mountain forests; true freedom!

Aside from their efficiency and adaptive nature, yurt living also provides a sense of tranquility, healing, and communal and spiritual advancement. For this reason, many resorts and retreat locations employ these edifices as centers for meditation, relaxation, spiritual practices, and many other mental health practices!

When considering your family’s next vacation jaunt, make sure to check out the wonderful and relaxing adventure that staying in yurts can provide. After just one night, you may be already designing your next home!