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24-27-30? and who I should have on my list

H

hakalugi

New member
Hi All,

I've been thinking about a Yurt for 15 years and finally have the wife on board. This is for our vacation property, as a low cost/low-impact type structure beyond just camping but short of a traditional house. We're a family of 5, with at least 1 dog. Having a composting toilet indoors and a kitchenette would be nice. With a cupboard this makes a loft an easy next step (and it snowballs!)

We're literally near a mountaintop with a 1400' view/drop to our East, morning sun galore So for normal jetstream type winds we'd be mostly "sheltered by the peak" about 200' behind/uphill/West-NW of us. But for storms our pad site gets pretty ripped as it's on a bluff. The ground is very stony (mix of shale, sandstone) with shallow root trees (25-30'' max height) and sparse undergrowth. It won't be true 4 season since the approach is not passable with snow on the ground due to the pitch, even with a 'real' 4x4 truck and 37" KM2s. So I'm looking at an 'insulated' model for 3 season fun, and maybe some "definitely won't snow this weekend" but with extra comforters, but not a full time residence. I think 20' would be too small. 30' seems big (both to get it up there and requires a platform of > 1300 sf --and it snowballs). But maybe that's where we'll end up.


I currently have bookmaked:

1) alaska (nomad) yurts - they look very durable, but may be too far to ship to VA, and not sure if they'd be breathable enough with 5 of us + dog(s) breathing moisture into the yurt's space

2) pacific yurts - the first brand i found years ago, lots of features, they seem to be a market leader. water-catching-gutters a plus.

3) colorado yurts - nice blend of features and value, the 27' may be the goldilocks size. water-catching-cistern a plus. But a big premium to add standard windows though...

4) blue ridge yurts - some cool features (10' walls on the 30' wide unit, 2x6 rafters and vented dome included, "$0" premium for the framing to allow for DIY glass windows" ) but they seem to have the shortest warranty on exterior surfaces, and even as a 'temporary structure' spending over 10k means i want it to last longer than 5 yrs, and not sure i want anything with cotton blend on the outside for mildew reasons - any feedback on these?

So, that's where we're at. Who should be on my list? Anyone personally build a loft? I see lots of pictures and the "segment of a circle at 40% of the diameter" type of loft seems logical - enough room underneath for pantry, WC/toilet, kitchenette; I've worked framing before and won't have trouble doing this type of in-fill, any pointers on what you wish you did differently?

thanks.
 
Family of five screams 30' to me and maybe even larger. I think it was Nomad Shelter yurts that have designed 45' yurts before so you may even want to consider that. I have a 30' and love the size. The most I ever have had stay there are my two sons and I and it was fine, however we did not frame out any rooms. I am thinking you are going to want more space. Have you visited any local yurts yet?
 
hi Jeff (?)

I walked through one (i can't recall who's) in 1998 and a trade show i was visiting. it was a 16' one to fit in a 20x20 booth/lot.

I saw Nomad makes a 40', thanks. The bigger diameter = heavier rafters and longer timber.... (the approach to our site/bluff is no joke so I have to weigh (pun intended) the materials we end up using).

thanks!
 
I drove my 30' yurt via several trips to my remote Adirondack camp site with a small Nissan pickup. That included the upgraded rafters and studs. You should keep in mind that you cannot change the size later. :)

If you find a yurt you like, many of the manufacturers have lists of customers who are willing to show their yurts to prospective clients.

Yes, this is Jeff! Welcome to the Yurt Forum!
 
One of the entries on our blog (www.blog.yurts.com) is all about interior lofts and includes photos and ideas for planning.

Jeff is right about about not being able to change the size of the yurt after setting it up. However, if access to your site is limited and you choose a smaller yurt you can always add secondary yurt in the future.

Be sure the yurt has the appropriate features to handle the environment you intend to put it in, especially if you don't have access to it during the winter to maintain snow loads. Also keep in mind that smaller yurts are naturally stronger due to the unsupported span of the roof rafters being shorter among other factors.

It might be worth spending the night in one of the yurts at Shenandoah Crossing Resort (Pacific Yurts) to get a feel for the space. They have some 20' and 30' diameter yurts. The link will be listed under Bluegreen Resorts.

-Pacific Yurts
 
You might consider an elevated yurt as well... 'Two story'. That can almost double your space without doubling the cost. You can also build in budget friendly stages. In a winter climate with big snow loads, I'd go for a yurt that is a little more substantial and has great insulation options. Call manufacturers and ask about those specifics. CYC operable windows can be added later as a retrofit, which is a nice option.

Colorado and Pacific yurts are both leaders in the industry for good reason, Nomad and Blue Ridge both have been in business for several years, have good reputations, make quality yurts and are good, honest people. So you are looking at good companies. If you can, try to get in and see the difference of the yurts. That's what will really make your decision easy. ;) Aloha!
 
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