Bronze Age rock etchings depict the earliest evidence of yurt dwellings. SIBERIA SCYTHIA MONGOLIA EASTERN EUROPE BLACK SEA TURKEY Between 484 and 424 B.C., Greek historian Herodotus pens the first written record of yurt homes used by nomadic Scythians in the Black Sea region. Yurts serve as the primary dwellings for the fierce warriors known as the Huns from the 4th to 6th century A.D. Between 1274 and 1291, Italian explorer Marco Polo documents the yurts (called gers) inhabited by nomadic Mongols. As the Mongolian empire sweeps across Eastern Europe, it spreads its yurt culture to: • Turkey • Hungary • Romania YURT MIGRATION History of the Yurt Since the Bronze Age, nomadic tribes on the steppes of Central Asia have lived in round, portable homes known as yurts. BY THE NUMBERS ROMANIA HUNGARY EINOF YIA NAIO NOM AI NAION 4 Times the Mongolian nomads moved their camp each year 3 Pack animals required to haul a large family yurt 2 HOURS 6 FEET Amount of time required to set up or take down a yurt Typical height of yurt ceiling People housed within a traditional yurt 104°F -40°F WHY YURTS? 5 15 TO Extreme high temperature reached in steppe climates. Extreme low temperature reached in steppe climates. Ancient nomadic tribes favored yurts because they were: Mongolian Ger vs. Modern Yurt Although the basic yurt design has remained the same, yurts have evolved from nomadic housing into environmentally friendly dwellings with modern luxuries. TRADITIONAL GER Crown Artisan-crafted from wood and quite heavy, the crown (or tono) was often handed down through generations—even after the rest of the yurt had been replaced. Roof Straight rafters called uni are held in place with a tension band of woven cloth or rope, creating a strong, stable structure. Lattice The wood lattice wall structure is divided into collapsible sections called khana, attached together with leather ties. It’s made from light woods such as: • Willow • Birch • Poplar Covers A felt cover surrounds the wood frame, usually made of wool from the tribe’s: • Sheep • Goats • Yaks Door A heavy wood door serves as a status symbol and is always placed to the south to maximize solar heat and light. Interior sections The ger is divided into sections: MODERN YURTS Center Ring The center ring includes an acrylic dome skylight that can be opened. A central ceiling fan support may be added for improved air circulation. Roof Modern yurt design still features straight rafters held in place by a tension band, but it is made from steel aircraft cable. Lattice The continuous accordion lattice frames use kiln-dried Douglas fir from sustainably managed forests. Covers Durable, high-tech architectural fabric covers the wooden frame. Windows made of vinyl or insulated glass allow extra light to enter. Door Doors are available in a variety of materials, from wood to fiberglass, and styles (such as French). Interior sections Partition walls may divide the yurt into rooms: Ornamentation: Sacred symbols and patterns decorate the interior, including: • Powerful beasts (lion, tiger, garuda, dragon) • Symbols for the five elements (fire, water, earth, metal, and wood) • Repeating geometric patterns Pacific Yurts Company Timeline In 1978, award-winning Pacific Yurts pioneered the modern adaptation of the yurt—and has since transformed these simple steppe dwellings into comfortable modern homes. Amenities Other modern amenities may include: • Plumbing • Electricity • Lighting • Modern appliances A traditional yurt could be erected or disassembled in just a couple of hours. It took just a few pack animals to carry an entire family home. On the steppe, with no trees or shrubs to serve as wind- breaks, a circular yurt could resist wind from any direction. FAST WIND RESISTANT LIGHT Today’s yurts often serve as recreational rentals and eco-friendly homes. But they were originally designed as the primary dwellings of ancient nomadic tribes. From Mongolian Gers to Modern Yurts North Honored guests East Men and their tools West Women and the kitchen Center Wood-burning stove with chimney extending past the roof Bathroom Utility lines are run through wall partitions or beneath floorboards. Kitchen A kitchen is often placed next to the bathroom to share plumbing. Loft A sleeping loft atop the bathroom or kitchen allows for easy stargazing through the skylight. 1981 A translucent “solar arc” is built into the roof and allows extra light on overcast days. 1982 The first modern yurt reaching 30 feet in diameter is built. 1983 1988 1989 1991 1993 1998 2010 2014 “Dome”style skylight replaces octagonal design to allow a clear view of the stars. Reflective insulation developed by NASA sets a new standard for yurt comfort. A snow and wind kit engineered to meet UBC structural standards for snow and wind loads. French doors provide more elegance and wider entry. Yurts are introduced as rental units in Oregon State Parks, making these dwellings a national phenomenon. Perimeter gutter system can be retrofit to existing yurts and allows yurt owners to capture rainwater. Custom curve glass windows provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors. The U.S. Embassy in Mongolia installs a 24-foot Pacific Yurt to serve as a meeting space, symbolizing the Western interpretation of the traditional Mongolian ger design. Pacific Yurts has maintained a steadfast commitment to environmentally responsible business practices since 1978. The yurts we make are very resource efficient, providing a maximum amount of enclosed space while using a minimal amount of material as compared to standard construction. The Original Modern Yurt TM www.yurts.com Infographic designed by Mad Fish Digital © 2016 Pacific Yurts Inc. SOURCES: nationalgeographic.org, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mausoleum_of_Genghis_Khan, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt, www.yurts.com, newworldencyclopedia.org, mongolian-yurt.com N S W E