All year Yurt classroom in the UK - viable? Woodstove required?

[oneworld]

Many Thanks TDRalex and Jafo for your helpful responses!

TDRalex - should we build a rectangular deck or a circular platform? Will they need a groundsheet on top of the platform? I wonder also how

insulation

works with windows? Doesn't the

insulation

cover them up? Please forgive my novice questions...

Jafo - what is a mini-split?

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by oneworld

Jafo - what is a mini-split?

I am sure you have seen them. They provide heat and AC. Basically a heat pump/AC:

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/d...r-conditioners

https://www.fujitsugeneral.com/us/re...ini-split.html

[TSRalex]

Originally Posted by oneworld

... - should we build a rectangular deck or a circular platform?

When deciding between a round or rectangular platform for a yurt, consider the following points:

Round Platform:
Traditional Design: Aligns with the traditional circular design of yurts, maintaining cultural authenticity.
Complex Construction: Building a round platform can be more complex and require specialized carpentry skills.

Rectangular Platform:
Ease of Construction: Simpler to construct with standard building materials and methods.
Easier to expand or connect with additional structures.
Deviation from Tradition: Does not align with traditional yurt designs, potentially impacting aesthetic and cultural value.

Originally Posted by oneworld

Will they need a groundsheet on top of the platform?

What a groundsheet? Do you mean flooring?

Flooring (layer on the platform....): IMHO YES!

For a classroom yurt in southern England, in my eyes a vinyl flooring is highly recommended due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and availability in non-slip varieties.

Originally Posted by oneworld

I wonder also how insulation works with windows? Doesn't the insulation cover them up?

At first: Insulation isn't covering the windows, because it would make the window obsolete....

Isolation of windows itself is always a difficult point. Think about, why traditional Yurts don't have windows....

For isolating windows, it depends on which windows you have: Clear vinyl fabric ("PVC") or classical windows with wooden frame and glass (or polycarbonate).

I would opt for panes with a 2-layer, monolithic polycarbonate (each 4 mm thick). It is not necessary to additionally insulate the space between the panes with a gas filling....

All in all, you should choose a different approach to your evaluation.

I have put together a few thoughts for you in the next post.
The assumption was a classroom for a maximum of 20 children.

[TSRalex]

Specifications for a modern yurt as a classroom in southern England:

#### 1. **Yurt design**
- **Platform**: Solid wooden platform with integrated weather protection to protect the yurt from

moisture

and cold floors.
- **Doors**: Insulated double doors (e.g. French doors) with weatherproof seals and safety locks.
- **Windows**: Several double-glazed, insulated windows with adjustable frames for optimal ventilation and light.
- **Insulation**: High-quality reflective insulation on the walls and roof to regulate the indoor climate and reduce energy costs.

#### 2. **Technology**
- **Electricity**: Complete electrical system with LED lighting, power sockets and USB ports.
- **Heating**: Efficient

heating

systems such as a wood-burning stove and/or a mini-split air conditioning unit for

heating

and cooling.
- **Water**: connections for drinking water and drainage pipes for sinks and toilets.
- **Multimedia**: Interactive whiteboard, Wi-Fi access, audio and video systems for presentations and digital learning.

#### 3. **Interior**
- **Classroom furniture**: Ergonomic furniture for 20 students, including height-adjustable desks and chairs, cabinets and shelves for teaching materials.
- **Cloakroom**: Separate areas for storing students' coats and shoes, with personal storage.
- **Flooring**: Durable, easy-to-clean flooring such as vinyl or laminate, ideal for heavy use and easy maintenance.
- **Decoration**: Colorful and child-friendly decorative elements to create a stimulating learning environment.

### Additional features
- **Central roof dome**: Openable, transparent

dome

for natural lighting and ventilation.
- **Rain protection**: Integrated rain gutters and deflector systems to prevent water damage, or a canopy over the entrance to keep the interior entrance area dry
- **Safety features**: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and emergency exits.

These requirements ensure that the yurt is functional, comfortable and safe for use as a classroom in a primary school setting, while also meeting modern standards.

I estimate the minimum size of such a yurt to be 30 feet.
Or 2 smaller yurts connected to each other next to each other:
One 24-foot yurt as a classroom and a smaller one as a cloakroom, for the toilet and for storing teaching materials.

Now you can try to evaluate details for each single topic. Use AI for.....