Back to basics: the perks of making a yurt your home

In the Turkish language, “yurt” originally means “home”. Nowadays, the phrase also refers to the dwellings of Central Asian nomads: a crossing between house and tent. Stretched over several wooden grids, cotton and felt fabric serve as the outer layers for a round-shaped construction.

Apart from the distinctive appearance, a yurt house also stands out due to its physical flexibility: it can be put up or taken down in a matter of hours. All necessary components easily fit onto the back of a truck – or the backs of two donkeys. Thus, you can take your home with you wherever you go. Mongolian shepherds have been moving through the country like this for over 2,000 years.

Today, the yurt has long since found its way to Europe – as a tourist accommodation, workshop venue, or kindergarten facility. And lately, it has also been a source of inspiration for private homes. But turning a yurt house into a main residence requires more than a simple tent.

Traditional models made from cotton and felt are ill-equipped for European weather conditions. Exposed to humidity, they will likely mould – not to mention the lack of insulation during the winter. Contemporary builders therefore need innovative solutions if they intend to live in a yurt-house on a long-term basis.

First and foremost, you will want to make sure that your project lies within your budget. Depending on the size and equipment of a yurt, prices may vary immensely. Basic models are available within a range between 3,500 and 4,500 euros. Complete with sanitation and heating, a yurt house will cost at least 6,000 euros.

Variants that offer a bit more living comfort amount to around 10,000 euros upwards. However, this might quickly double if you’re looking for a “luxury yurt” including proper flooring and electric heating. The higher your demands, the higher the investment – and there’s no upper limit.

Whenever you settle somewhere permanently, you need official permission – no matter how small or humble your abode.

Specific regulations differ not only from country to country, but also between cities and regions. Hence, you should always contact your local authorities first to educate yourself about legal possibilities and restrictions.

In most cases, building a yurt house will require a building permit. This means that your plans must be in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the respective municipality.

In other words: will the construction fit into the overall picture of the residential area? Working your way through all bureaucratic steps to get a final stamp of approval often takes several months – so you should lay out your time schedule accordingly.

Recently, a project in Slovakia has proven once again that minimalist living spaces can be just as comfortable as big residences.