Yurt Living

Dr William Coperthwaite and the Yurt Foundation in Maine

2011-10-23T08:39:00.006-10:00

contributed by writer Isabella Woods

Maine is a rugged, beautiful state in the northeastern US, with a population of just over one million people. It is possible to drive through the state for hours without seeing a house or another person, and the flora, fauna, and wildlife that call the region home, dominate the landscape. People from all over the world come to enjoy the moderate summers and rocky coastline, but leave again to avoid the difficult and lengthy winters. Those hardy people who stay in Maine year round, are, for the most part, highly environmentally conscious, and adept at outdoor living. One of the most well respected members of Maine’s environmental community is yurt builder and President of the Yurt Foundation, Dr. William Coperthwaite.

Dr. William Coperthwaite

Dr. Coperthwaite’s fascination with yurt-building and habitation began in the early 60s, when he was looking at a National Geographic spread on Mongolian yurts. A skilled craftsman and designer, he developed a tapered wall yurt that could be constructed by just about anyone, regardless of their level of carpentry skill, and with a minimum of materials. Over the years he has continued to generate innovative yurt designs, and is continually refining how yurts are built. He travels extensively, visiting yurt-building indigenous populations in order to learn about ways in which their far more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices can be applied to life in urban areas. In 2004, he published a book about yurt design, sustainable living, and the development of the yurt lifestyle in the modern world called, “A Handmade Life”. The book won numerous awards, including the 2004 Nautilus Award, and was subsequently translated into Korean.

The Yurt Foundation

Dr. Coperthwaite founded the Yurt Foundation, which is housed in a large, hand-built yurt in Machiasport, Maine, to further the study of, and the dissemination of information about, indigenous cultures. The Foundation is a non-profit and is devoted to education and the collection of folk knowledge from around the world. Dr. Coperthwaite teaches courses there year-round, as well as traveling, to pass his knowledge and experience on to other people or communities interested in constructing yurts and living off of the land. He conducts crafts workshops in which participants learn how to use hand tools to make what they need to live comfortably, including chairs and bowls. The class also addresses ideas surrounding ‘democratic design’, and how design choices can influence the community. He also holds regular yurt building workshops in which groups can learn how to build a tapered-wall yurt and the proper tools to use. The workshops last anywhere from 5-10 days and are supplemented with historical data and photographs of the many yurts with which he has come in contact over the years.

Yurt Construction

Based on his travels around the world, and the often-extreme weather conditions encountered in Maine, Dr. Coperthwaite developed multiple styles of yurt. What he calls the 'standard yurt' is the least difficult to construct, utilizes the tapered wall design, and is ideal for a workspace or as a short-term space for family or guests. The ‘concentric yurt’ is a far more complicated design, but it provides the most consistently comfortably living space. This yurt is essentially one yurt inside the other, with the inner yurt partially supporting the outer yurt. The ‘concentric yurt’ design includes 26 windows that go around the entire structure, as well as a raised floor for additional space. This is the design most commonly used for people who actually plan to live in their yurt year-round. Finally, the ‘family yurt’ is one that can be built in stages, so that if gathering money for materials, or finding the materials themselves, becomes problematic, the future tenants can still live comfortably as they continue to add-on. For people who have decided that they want to begin the yurt construction process on their own, the Yurt Foundation offers yurt construction plans in various styles.

Moving Forward

There are yurt communities all over the globe, and it is possible to buy a yurt pre-made, or construct one yourself. If the pace and relentless energy of the city is getting you down, try spending a few days in a yurt. There is something magical about the energy that collects inside these simple, small, round homes, that is truly refreshing. The next time you catch yourself pulling your berkline chairs up in front of the television; think about how nice it would feel to put your feet up in an inexpensive low-impact yurt. Dr. Coperthwaite saw the possibilities back in the early 60s. Now it is our turn to join his quest for yurt innovation.

Izzy Woods is a freelance travel writer and keen supporter of simpler living and sustainability. She writes on behalf of a number of sites to fund her vagrant living, including a Lane Furniture retailer among others.

Bike + Helmet 4 Small Spaces

2011-09-26T07:44:00.000-10:00

Great design for small space dwellers indoors or out.

Red Kite Yurts in Scotland

2011-05-18T07:55:00.004-10:00

Red Kite Yurts released a short video demonstrating their perfected wedding and event services. Think candles, linens, wood-burning stove, rugs, and imagination!

Daily hire begins at £200 GBP, the British Pound, for a 3-day event. That's equivalent to about $325 USD at the time of this writing.

This company happens to be the largest hand-crafted manufacturer in Scotland with an abundance of out-of-the-box event services.

Check out the new "Barn Yurt" that's perfect for events. The Red Kite Blog is under creative development with details at the time of this writing.

Sustainable Building: The health benefits

2011-05-06T07:33:00.001-10:00

www.canopyandstars.co.uk

by guest contributor Krista Peterson

The benefits of sustainable building practices are becoming more and more apparent these days. Using organic and green materials in construction are becoming more popular because of their ability to be cost effective, high quality, and energy efficient. Although these are the common benefits people are taking advantage of, the switch to sustainable and organic building materials can also have a great effect on health.

Using sustainable methods on projects such as yurts can have a great effect on overall health. Indoor air quality remains one of the most important issues in the environmental realm. Although surprising, more toxins can regularly be found more indoors than outdoors. Using sustainable building products can have a great effect on numerous areas inside the house that are related to air quality. This includes controlling pollutant sources, air filtration, proper ventilation, and integrated design.

The advantages that sustainable building has are largely found in the types of toxins and problems that are common in older buildings and structures. Many families are forced to deal with a number of toxins in their houses, often costing them large amounts of money in the end. Some common health risks in houses include asbestos exposure, radon problems, and carbon monoxide. Choosing to use sustainable building products will cut out most of these risks.

These toxins are structurally related, while some products within the house could bring more toxins to the table as well, such as paints and cleaners high in VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). There happen to be a number of health risks tied to these toxins as well. Some common health problems because of poor indoor air quality include respiratory issues, asthma, allergies, and the possibility of more dangerous cases like different forms of cancer.

The choice to go sustainable during the building process can be one of the best decisions made. Not only could converting to a yurt with sustainable practices be helpful to energy efficiency and cost effectiveness, but also with cutting toxins and possible health risks that are common in some older structures.

Yurt Living: Solutions to Mold Fears

2010-10-11T16:25:00.000-10:00

No doubt about it, the best mold prevention anywhere on anything is air flow and sunshine. Actually yurts have less mold issues than most conventional buildings.

Financial Help

2010-06-16T10:25:00.001-10:00

You know the proverb, if there's a will, there's a way. And determination with will is certainly a required combo to produce creative financing. I guarantee, Colorado Yurt Company, (CYC) is at it.

It's exciting that Sam Kigar of CYC shares his findings of peer-to-peer and social lending options on the company blog. Since every loan differs, it's a challenge to summarize expectations. Yet Sam explains the process, requirements and precautions well.

"The Loans Marketplace" Prosper, is Sam's first recommended site. It's all about appeasing both lenders and borrowers. With today's frustrations, it can be a refreshing option to step out of the traditional bank lending process.

Also recommended is the Lending Club. Their motto is: "Investors earn better returns, borrowers pay lower rates." Both companies are headquartered in California.

The interest rates are typically better than a bank, but good credit is essential. Sam says your loan request can hang one to two weeks so you can comparison shop interest rates.

Cash payment is every wise person's preference, but credit card payments are most popular for yurts. When goods are shipped out-of-state, you can submit a credit card purchase order without sales tax. Another tip a financial comrade recently told me is that credit union banks honor better credit card interest rates than conventional banks. So if you do use a credit card, shop around for the best interest rate.

As you can imagine, there are advantages to not having a mortgage. Yurt makers are networking and realizing there are better methods for the industry. Additionally, buyers are finding alternatives to conventional insurance without a mortgage. They customize the security of their assets by improved means.

Financial structures are changing rapidly and globally this year. And this year will be the second annual yurt makers conference in Hawaii during August. Networking on this topic will be a good thing, so stay tuned.

Yurt Living: Book Review

2010-02-12T16:37:00.002-10:00

Author Becky's thoroughness with excellent photographs is amazing. Hard to believe anyone knows more about yurt living than she does and I can't think of a detail she's omitted in this wonderful book.

Yurt Living: Solar Power Potential

2010-01-26T19:42:00.001-10:00

John notes the solar panels are on a sled-type contraption. He created that so he could move them around during construction. He wants to find the optimum year-round location before permanently mounting them.

Yurt Living: Interior Clay Wall Decor

2009-12-20T13:35:00.001-10:00

The natural colors are rich with texture and depth not found from other finishes. Earth tones range with green and blue titles like Kentucky Blue and Savannah Moss.

Yurt Living: Interior Decorating Intro

2009-12-09T20:12:00.000-10:00

Like green merchandise, yurts are riding a trend wave to last. There's no doubt in my mind that professional interior designers will be catching on to those waves soon.

Yurt Living: Window Shopping

2009-11-07T18:07:00.000-10:00

With most yurt manufacturers, three windows are in the basic price. Those windows typically include screens, storm windows, and zippered privacy flaps.

Yurt Living: Creative Flooring Suppliers

2009-10-16T17:19:00.002-10:00

The final yurt floor consideration I recommend is parquetry. This is a style, rather than a material, but incorporates natural resources beautifully.

Yurt Living: Floor Options

2009-10-10T20:11:00.001-10:00

Posted on Green Building Elements:

For a temporary event, the floor is made in small interlocking panels, in either smooth or non-slip tongue and grooved boards. This is good for portability and storage. Custom finishes may be applied.

Yurt Living: Platform Design Options

2009-09-26T18:54:00.001-10:00

Some yurts are constructed as a second or third floor, ‒ perhaps topped on a conventional type building.

Yurt Living: Domes, Light, Furniture

2009-09-21T17:59:00.001-10:00

Lifehacker author Angus Kidman shares her recent post titled Add Wheels To Your Furniture For Faster Cleaning. Could we re-phrase this to Furniture on Wheels Makes Finer Yurt Living?

Yurt Living: Dome, Cupola or Spire?

2009-09-09T12:44:00.000-10:00

Posted on FeelGoodStyle:

Enthusiasts please never forget Becky Kemery, author of Yurts: Living in the Round. She pops up from my Internet searches frequently answering queries and contributing advice on forums. If you have a specific yurt question, she’s the Queen!

Yurt Living - Colors

2009-08-23T09:29:00.000-10:00

Posted on FeelGoodStyle:

Know that yurt living is so connected with nature that outdoors is the best place to observe and vision a color palette.

Yurt Living - Creative Doorway Designs

2009-08-06T19:37:00.000-10:00

Posted on FeelGoodStyle:

Since yurts can be permitted and are so economical, commercial use is expanding. And as yurt manufacturers aim to please, I continuously learn interesting canopy designs for entryway protection.

Yurt Living - Design Rules Pricing

2009-07-26T12:46:00.000-10:00

Posted on Feel Good Style:

The more yurt-minded the work team is, the closer to nature the dwelling will evolve into. Each owner decides how far from conventional they want to go. It's a personal matter and an empowering choice.

Yurt Living - Climate Comfort Part 2

2009-07-26T12:38:00.000-10:00

Posted on FeelGoodStyle:

Yurts appear logical for my tropical climate where elements of nature aren’t so severe. Well, surprise, but no worry. Just know that maintaining yurt warmth can be an easier task than keeping cool.

Yurt Living - Climate Comfort

2009-07-26T12:31:00.000-10:00

Posted on FeelGoodStyle:

From freezing cold to tropical, study the details from manufacturers who offer insulation, gutters, roof choices, dome options, ceiling fan support, and window awnings. Other considerations are roof material choices, wall height, or an extra door.

Yurt Living - Getting Started

2009-06-18T15:42:00.000-10:00

Posted on FeelGoodStyle:

Be prepared to be connected with nature in such a unique way that it's difficult to describe. Keywords are simplicity and sustainability.