Are you thinking of buying or building a yurt? Yurts have been around for centuries and are known for their durability, comfort, and portability. They are versatile and people use them for various purposes, from camping to permanent living. However, yurts come in two main categories: traditional and modern. Continue reading to learn what to know about traditional vs. modern yurts so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Design

Traditional yurts come from nomadic cultures, such as the Mongols, who used them as portable homes while moving around with their herds. The design has changed little since then and consists of a wooden frame covered with a felt and canvas cover. The roof has a vent at the top to let out smoke.

Modern yurts have adapted to contemporary living. They uniquely blend traditional and modern designs, from prefabricated walls to custom skylights. They come in round or rectangular shapes with insulation, windows, and doors, making them more comfortable and efficient.

2. Durability

A traditional yurt can endure harsh conditions like wind, rain, and heavy snow. The wooden lattice frame links with interlocking beams and ropes and pegs secure it. The roof consists of multiple layers of felt or canvas, providing excellent insulation and strength.

Modern yurts can also withstand various weather elements. They use durable materials like steel frames, waterproof fabrics, and UV-resistant insulation. They also have options for additional structural upgrades.

Freedom Yurt Cabins creates high-quality yurt cabins that are incredibly durable. We only use the best materials to construct our all-season yurts. We’re the world’s only solid-walled yurt cabin.

3. Portability

Traditional yurts allowed people to easily assemble, disassemble, and transport them on the back of a large animal. They could move from one location to another depending on the food availability for their animals. They are still lightweight and easy to transport, although not as much as their modern counterparts. Modern yurts often come in prefabricated kits that flatbed trucks drop off.

4. Cost

The cost of traditional yurts mostly depends on the materials used and the labor required to set them up. They are relatively affordable structures.

On the other hand, modern yurt costs depend on the design, amenities, and insulation required. However, they are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance than traditional yurts, which can save on long-term expenses.

5. Uses

Many use traditional yurts for festivals and celebrations. They can also be a unique option for camping and glamping.

You can use modern yurts as permanent homes, vacation homes, guesthouses, and studios. They offer a unique living experience, blending nature, comfort, and style. Various industries, such as eco-tourism, education, and hospitality, also use them.

What you should know about traditional vs. modern yurts is choosing one depends on your preferences, intended use, and budget. While traditional yurts offer a unique glimpse into nomadic culture and are more affordable, modern yurts are more energy-efficient, durable, and customizable. Both provide unique living experiences close to nature. Whatever your choice, yurts are an excellent option for people seeking a simple, minimalist lifestyle or a unique living experience off the grid.