Bronze Age rock etchings depict the earliest evidence of yurt dwellings.

SIBERIA

SCYTHIAMONGOLIA

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 YurtSince 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

4Times the Mongolian nomads moved their camp each year

3Pack animals required to haul a large family yurt

2 HOURS 6 FEETAmount of time required to set

up or take down a yurtTypical height of yurt ceiling

People housed within a traditional yurt

104°F -40°F

WHY YURTS?

5 15TO

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 YurtAlthough 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

CoversA felt cover surrounds the wood frame, usually made of wool from the tribe’s:• Sheep• Goats• Yaks

DoorA heavy wood door serves as a status symbol and is always placed to the south to maximize solar heat and light.

Interior sectionsThe ger is divided into sections:

MODERN YURTS

Center RingThe center ring includes an

acrylic dome skylight that can be opened. A central

ceiling fan support may be added for improved air

circulation.

RoofModern yurt design still features straight rafters

held in place by a tension band, but it is made from

steel aircraft cable.

LatticeThe continuous accordion

lattice frames use kiln-dried Douglas fir

from sustainably managed forests.

CoversDurable, high-tech architectural fabric covers the wooden

frame. Windows made of vinyl or insulated glass

allow extra light to enter.

DoorDoors are available in a

variety of materials, from wood to fiberglass, and styles (such as French).

Interior sectionsPartition 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 TimelineIn 1978, award-winning Pacific Yurts pioneered the modern

adaptation of the yurt—and has since transformed these simple steppe dwellings into comfortable modern homes.

AmenitiesOther 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.

FASTWIND

RESISTANTLIGHT

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

NorthHonored guests

EastMen

and their tools

WestWomen and the kitchen

CenterWood-burning stove with chimney extending past

the roof

BathroomUtility

lines are run through wall

partitions or beneath

floorboards.

KitchenA kitchen is often placed next to the bathroom to

share plumbing.

LoftA sleeping loft atop the bathroom

or kitchen allows for easy stargazing through the skylight.

1981A translucent “solar arc” is built into the

roof and allows extra light on

overcast days. 1982The first modern yurt reaching 30 feet in diameter is built.

1983

19881989

19911993

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

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