TOOLS
- Measuring tapes
- Squares
- Spherical seen
- Rip and crosscut handsaws
- Hammers
- 5-pound sledgehammer
- Carpenter’s stage
- Adjustable wrench
- Sawhorses
- 6-foot ladder
- Heavy-duty stapler
- Hacksaw
- Sturdy knife
- Paper and Pencils
LUMBER
(use dry, seasoned picket solely)
- 20 devices of 1″ x 12″ x 54-1/4″ white pine for inside wall
- 20 devices of 1″ x 12″ x 54-3/4″ white pine for inside wall
- 46 devices of 1″ x 12″ x 64-1/2″ white pine for outer wall
- 18 devices of 1″ x 12″ x 12′ white pine for inside roof
- 18 devices of 1″ x 12″ x 12′ white pine for outer roof
- 18 devices of 1″ x 8″ x 75″ white pine for outer roof
- 10 devices of two″ x 6″ x 12′ spruce or fir for flooring timber and skylight blocks
- 2 devices of three/4″ x 4′ x 8′ plywood (CDX) for flooring
- 2 devices of 1/4″ x 4′ x 8′ plywood (C) for flooring physique base
- 1 piece of 1/2″ x 30″ x 54″ plywood (ACX) for door
(Uncover: Inside wall, outer wall and inside roof lumber is greatest if planed on one aspect solely. Outer roof boards will protect bigger if highly effective on each side.)
GLASS
- Skylight: 47-1/2″-48″ circumference circle of 1/4″ or 7/32″ clear security plate or tempered
- Door: 19″ X 16″ oval of seven/32″ clear security plate or tempered
- Dwelling dwelling home windows: 11-1/2″ X 16″ double-strength glass
INSULATION
- Ground: 20 cubic toes, pouring-type
- Partitions and roof: 260 sq. toes of four-inch-thick foil backed fiberglass (as extended and intensive as potential)
NAILS
- 3 kilos, 16-penny, galvanized, box-type
- 7 kilos, 10-penny, galvanized, box-type
- 15 kilos, 8-penny, galvanized, box-type
- 7 kilos, 7-penny, galvanized, box-type
- 2 kilos, 1-3/4″ ring nails
- shingle nails as required
SHINGLES
- 2 squares (200 sq. toes) of cedar shingles
A. Basis
Draw a circle with a radius of 47 inches on the underside (Fig. A) and divide the circumference into 8 as-equal-as-possible sections. On the eight parts, and on the middle, drive the 2-inch pipes into the underside (the 47-inch radius is saved to the pores and pores and skin of the posts) as pilings till the pipes are stage on the required excessive.
The decrease the yurt, the higher it’s going to mix into the panorama, however do permit not decrease than 4 inches of air dwelling beneath the growing for air circulation. (Utterly various kinds of basis can be utilized. Wood posts ought to be anchored beneath the frost line. Large rocks positioned stage on the underside might even work, however in frost nation have to be leveled every spring.)
B. Ground
Make a framework of 2-by-6 timbers as confirmed in Fig. B-1 and completely nail it along with the 16-penny nails. Spike three of the devices of rim into every half of the physique first, after which seen the fourth part of rim to swimsuit. You’ll want so as in order so as to add filler blocks to spherical out the physique’s rim (Fig. B-1). The devices is also scale back and formed with a handsaw, energy seen, drawknife, or band seen — or hewn with an axe — from 2-by-6 devices. (Throughout the event you do use an axe, toenail the roughly scale back filler devices to the rim first, after which hew them to kind. They’re often nailed collectively further securely after the hewing is achieved.)
Now scale back the 4 sheets of plywood with a pointy, fine-toothed handsaw held at a low angle (see Fig. B-2). Nail the 1/4-inch plywood to the physique with ring nails spaced 4 inches aside, and coat the platform with outdated motor oil to guard it from dampness. Then flip the meeting over (plywood aspect down) and place it on prime of the posts with the six-inch metal plates between the pilings and the picket itself. Now you’ll be able to fill the physique stage with pouring insulation, and nail on the most effective layer of heavier plywood with ring nails spaced 4 inches aside. (Throughout the event you want, two layers of boards — nailed at appropriate angles to at the least one one different — can be utilized instead of plywood for the underside.)
C. Wall
Draw a circle with a radius of 46″ centered on the platform. Now divide the platform edge into forty as-equal-as-possible sections, and–utilizing a straight 48-inch-long stick as an information (lay one finish on the middle of the circle, and align the choice finish with every of the forty marks, one after the alternative)–lengthen these outer marks within the route of the middle of the platform in order that they intersect the 46-inch-radius circle.
Now measure all via the within backside finish of every 54-inch-plus wall board, and mark the middle of the decrease finish of each plank. Subsequent mark the most effective of the boards as confirmed in Fig. C-2. Then heart the inside surfaces of the 54-1/4-inch boards on alternate marks on the circle (see Fig. C-1) and toenail the planks in place with 10-penny nails.
Now heart the twenty 54-3/4-inch boards over the remaining marks on the underside–place them contained throughout the others, with their outer surfaces on the circle–and nail them to the underside. Change the tops of the 54-3/4-inch boards inward and outward till the marks on the tops of the complete boards line up as confirmed in Fig. C-2 (accuracy is important correct proper right here).
Then nail the complete wall boards along with 7-penny nails spaced each 6 inches alongside the boards’ edges. (Have any particular person protect a hammer within the route of the alternative aspect of the wall boards to dampen vibrations.) Lastly, clinch the nails securely (bend the parts over within the route of the grain) whereas a second specific particular person holds a hammer firmly within the route of their heads.
D. Stress Band or Cable
The vital factor of any yurt’s vitality lies in its rigidity band . . . a cable which holds the growing collectively by encircling the event at its eaves. An outstanding kind to make the most of is the three/8-inch man wire that utility firms steadily discard — native junk sellers usually have it. (1/4-inch cable furthermore works appropriately, however is method a lot much less usually used. In any case, make sure the band is galvanized.)
Place a hoop nail about one-half inch from the most effective of every board juncture contained in the wall, however go away about 3/8-inch of the heads out of the picket to assist the band (Fig. C-2). Envisage to have any particular person protect a hammer within the route of the within of the wall boards when you’re driving the nails!
Now lay the cable over all however the last word eight or ten nails, let the band sag in order that it’s as slack as potential, and restore and tighten the clamps. Then gently drive the band up and over the remaining nails. Excellent care and respect for gives beneath rigidity ought to be exercised correct proper right here. The cable ought to be cosy, however not “fiddle tight”. If it’s too free, repeat the tactic, however take the cable off just a few further nails prior to you apply and tighten the clamps. If the band is simply too tight to slide over the nails, loosen it barely. Then clamp the cable very tightly, take away these last few nails one after the alternative, slip the cable up as you might be employed, and commerce the nails throughout the equal holes with the cable now above them.
Uncover: Don’t squeeze the wall too tightly with the band or the nails spherical its prime will begin to tug. At this stage, the wall must primarily actually really feel versatile. The roof will make it inflexible.
E. Roof and Compression Band
ROOF
Reduce the 1-inch-by-12-inch-by-12-foot inside roof boards into 18 devices 62 inches extended, and 18 sections 62-1/2 inches extended.
Subsequent seen the 1″ X 12″ X 12′ outer roof boards into 18 devices 70-1/2″ extended and 18 devices 71″ extended. Then scale back the complete boards as confirmed in Fig. E-1, so that you’ve got 36 devices of every dimension.
NOTE: Most often, a 12″ board is certainly merely 11-1/2″ intensive. In case your boards are barely wider or narrower, defend the 3-1/2″ dimension the equal and fluctuate the 7-7/8″ measurement. If the boards are planed on one aspect solely, it’s important to make the diagonal scale back the equal path every time, so mark and scale back all boards with the planed aspect up. Throughout the event you don’t, your ceiling is maybe alternately highly effective and clear.
Set the 70-1/2″ and 71″ boards apart in the intervening time and divide the most effective of the standing wall into thirty-six elements. Draw a line all via every 62″ board 3-1/2 inches from the massive finish on the swish aspect (to degree overhang). Then–utilizing one 10-penny nail for every board–nail a 62″ plank in place on prime of the wall boards with one extended edge of every 62″ plank on a 1/36 mark (see Fig. E-3). As you might be employed, prop the roof members up with poles (2 X 2’s work appropriately, however any delicate assistance will do) which have nails pushed half methodology in 79″ from one finish. See Fig. E-2. Extra palms are a assist in holding up the props.
Watch out to see that every roofing plank is aimed on the middle of the yurt. When the complete boards are up, improve or decrease the poles as wanted to make the complete devices of the roof meet snugly. Now drive two further 10-penny nails into the intensive finish of every roofing board.
Subsequent nail the 62-1/2″ roofing planks in place (centered over the gaps inside the primary layer), utilizing only one 10-penny nail on the periphery of every board. When all are snugly fitted on the prime (you could must maneuver just a few of these outer “10’s” barely), nail the 62-1/2″ boards quick at their outer ends. Then, working from contained throughout the yurt, drive a 7-penny nail each six inches alongside (and up by the use of) the roof boards’ lengthwise edges. Have any particular person protect a sledge within the route of the alternative aspect to as soon as extra up your work, and securely clinch the ends of the nails. Defend the props in place till the compression band is put in.
COMPRESSION BAND/SKYLIGHT RIM
When you’ll uncover an outdated wagon wheel to make the most of for a compression band, you’ll save your self an outstanding little little bit of labor. The wheel’s inside diameter ought to measure 40″46″ (Fig. E-4). Reduce out the spokes and hub, and–with the wheel fastidiously centered over the skylight opening–screw the rim securely to the inside layer of roofing planks from beneath. Then add and quicker: devices of pine boards, scale back to the curve of the wheel, to the most effective of the rim till the meeting holds the inside and outer layers of roof-I ing aside a perpendicular distance of 3-1/2″ (see Fig. E-5). Now you’ll be able to take away the props. NOTE: Throughout the event you probably can’t scare up an outdated wagon wheel, you’ll be able to even make a compression band/skylight rim by slicing and turning right into a member of collectively twelve devices of two-by-six 11-3/8″ extended (see Fig. E-6). Nail or screw the sections fastidiously in place excessive fringe of the skylight opening (the devices must match collectively tightly).
F. Outer Wall and Insulation
INSULATION
4-inch foil-backed fiberglass insulation ought to be stapled to the pores and pores and skin of the yurt’s inside wall prior to the outer wall is put up. It’s best to positively place the toil aspect dealing with in.
OUTER WALL
Draw a line all via every of twenty-two of the 64-1/2″extended wall boards, 3-1/2″ from the most effective on the “worst” aspect. Now place a kind of boards in order that its left edge is even with the changing into fringe of the doorway, and in order that its 3-1/2″ mark reveals merely above the higher fringe of the decrease roof boards. Nail the plank securely in place with three 8-penny nails at its prime (into the roof members) and three 10-penny nails on the underside (into the underside). Then proceed to place and nail the remainder of the marked boards throughout the equal approach, leaving a &1/2″ dwelling between each (you’ll must look forward and fudge the distances between the previous couple of . . . checking while you’re midway all through the yurt–and making some modifications then–helps). Take care to get the boards on straight. Have any particular person stand as soon as extra to “eyeball” them as you might be employed.
Now nail the remaining 64-1/2″-long outer wall boards in place evenly over the gaps inside the primary layer-and precisely even with the tops of the primary planks. Use 8-penny nails spaced each six inches alongside the junctures of the boards. The house above the doorway ought to be crammed with quick devices scale back to swimsuit the curve of the door (see Half M).
Now prepare the yurt’s second rigidity band, on the prime of the pores and pores and skin wall. (As quickly as additional, be sure that to have the foil dealing with within the route of the within of the yurt. Reduce the insulation diagonally to match the traces of the roof boards, and run it up and down the roof.)
G. Elevated Roof
Use the 70-1/2″ and 71″ boards (scale back as described in Half E) and observe the equal directions outlined for creating the decrease roof. (Exceptions: no props are wanted; overhang ought to be 4″ fairly than 3-1/2″; no clinching is required; 8-penny nails ought to be used instead of “7’s”; nail or screw the “peak finish” of the roof boards securely to the most effective of the skylight rim.)
Subsequent, rip the 1 X 8 boards as confirmed in Fig. G. Wedge one in all many devices into every of the areas left contained in the bigger roof’s floor, and faucet all of them into place with a hammer. Now nail the boards securely to the roof, and seen off any further that protrudes from the eaves.
H. Random Ideas
Boards planed on one aspect solely are 1/8″ thicker than “completed” lumber, and–subsequently–are each stronger and an excellent bit easier to nail into . . . notably while you’re placing on the inside roof and outer wall boards. A number of of us use all highly effective, unplaned lumber, butbefore doing this–take into accounts that the next inside wall will catch mud and be highly effective to clean. A transparent inside is simpler to maintain . . . considerably if flooring wax is utilized to it.
Open areas happen the place two layers of boards overlap on the prime of the wall (Fig. H) and on the decrease fringe of the outer wall. To plug the gaps, select picket scraps of ample thickness, taper the devices to swimsuit, and faucet them into place. Some will maintain put by them; selves, however others–notably these on the prime and backside of the pores and pores and skin wall — ought to be mounted with nails.
I. Shingling
Shingling a spherical roof isn’t straightforward–every shingle have to be hand tapered on all sides to swimsuit the conical kind–however the course of is enjoyable, and the wonderful thing about the tip product makes each little bit of additional effort worthwhile. Purchase the right cedar shakes you’ll be able to afford (the roof is the worst place to scrimp on prices!) and use a pointy, cozy knife for the tapering. (when you’ve actually not shingled prior to, attempt to discover an old-timer who can instruct you .. . spending just a few hours as an apprentice is an thrilling decision to be taught and lots easier than patching leaks shortly.)
Begin shingling on the outer fringe of the roof and work upward. Make the primary row three shingles thick, and place the shingles in order that they overlap the eaves by 3-1/2 inches (see cross-section sketch). Then draw a line 5″ above the primary row, begin the following course (with the tops of the shingles even with the five-inch mark), and so forth. As you close to the most effective of the roof, measure 5″ intervals down from the height to even out any errors which might have crept in as you labored up.
J. Dwelling dwelling home windows
This yurt’s dwelling dwelling home windows require solely a minimal of development abilities and gives. One-quarter inch plate or crystal glass is also safely put in with out frames, and is often accessible at low price from junk sellers.
A door window is great to have in a yurt, and is comparatively straightforward to put in. You may concoct your non-public design, or observe the standard oval sample confirmed in Fig. M. It’s possible you’ll even make a simple wall window. Merely take away an inside wall board and seen 15-5/8″ off its prime finish (see Fig. J-1). Then scale back a 3/8″-deep notch all via the most effective of the outer face of the remaining part of the wall plank and nail a small strip of picket all via the most effective of the wall opening (to function a assist for a little bit of glass). Lay the pane in place and fasten the notched piece of picket over the glass as confirmed in Fig. J-2. Add small flip buttons on the perimeters of the pane, scale back a corresponding piece of outer wall board from the yurt to finish the opening, physique it in . . . and you have your self a sturdy, detachable window!
Okay. Skylight
The central window (or skylight) is the very important issue to any yurt’s pure lighting. See Fig. E-5 for development particulars. (NOTE: Somewhat little bit of three/4″ surgical tubing glued to the roof beneath the skylight makes a optimistic cushion and seal.)
Air circulation is managed by opening and shutting the skylight and door, Aspect dwelling dwelling home windows is also screened–and/or a louver scale back contained in the door–for extra airflow. Throughout the event you retain in a heat space the place an excessive amount of summer time season warmth is on the market in by the use of the skylight, anchor just a few large bushy vegetation securely to the roof on the south aspect of the opening, for shade. And if additional insulation is required–in every summer time season or winter–you’ll be able to even make a spherical curtain with elastic on the sting (a kind of giant-size bathe cap) and keep the gadget the fallacious method up over hooks on the within of the skylight.
(NOTE: Throughout the event you make the most of fuel or kerosene lamps, watch out to not keep one beneath the skylight. The warmth can crack the glass.)
L. Heating
Any small heater–or hanging fireside–works appropriately on this growing. It doesn’t matter what you make the most of, nonetheless, be sure that to go away a six-inch dwelling all through the stovepipe on the extent the place it goes by the use of the wall. (In a number of phrases, scale back an exit gap which has a diameter equal to that of the stovepipe’s diameter . . . plus 12 inches.) Make a defending sheet steel or asbestos thimble to fill the additional dwelling, and feed the pipe by the use of it to the pores and pores and skin. Don’t “skip over” this precaution . . . a scorching stovepipe can rapidly convert any picket growing to ashes.
M. Door
The doorway is made by slicing acceptable openings (see Fig. M for dimensions) in each the inside and outer partitions. Make the cuts with a keyhole seen, after every wall’s rigidity band has been secured. Reinforce the areas above the openings with two-inch-wide strips of picket nailed on the in and out (see Fig. M-1), and fill the gaps between the inside and outer partitions (on the perimeters of the doorway) with spacers scale back to swimsuit. Assemble the door (Fig. M) to overlap the inside wall cavity by 3/4″ in the slightest degree parts, and use double-strap hinges to safe it in place (an inward-opening door is usually greatest, because of yurt’s outward sloping partitions). The next small, low entryway accents the peak and spaciousness of the inside, and minimizes warmth loss.
N. Benches and Desk
Benches constructed all through the wall of the yurt make exceptionally good use of obtainable dwelling, and–when outfitted with hinged-top “lids” as confirmed in Fig. N-1–present useful cupboard space as appropriately. Cushions and pillows, in precise truth, add coloration and opulent.
A desk constructed to match the curve of the yurt’s inside wall is also made out of only one 4 X 8 sheet of plywood (Fig. N-2) and some devices of scrap lumber (for the legs).
O. The Little Yurt: Potential Makes use of
The Little Yurt serves considerably appropriately as a bathhouse/washroom/john mixture (Fig. O) . . . by which case it’s sensible to make the most of rot-resistant picket (akin to cedar) for the underside and inside. Any kind of plumbing is also put in. (when you really actually really feel that it would be best to make use of a flush bathroom, purchase the sort made for cell houses . . . they waste lots a lot much less water. And remember {{that a}} bathe isn’t as costly as–and takes up lots a lot much less dwelling than–a bathe.)
The Little Yurt furthermore works appropriately as a evaluation, workplace, or workroom (a desk constructed to encircle the inside wall can present twenty toes of working dwelling!), and makes a optimistic consuming room able to seating ten to 12 individuals. Add a thick rug and pad to the growing’s flooring, and you have a buyer room with a chic spherical mattress! Utterly completely different makes use of are: kids’s room, sauna, yard dwelling, self-discipline station, retreat . . . or any variety of comparable prospects (let your creativeness be your knowledge!).
Yurts can be grouped collectively to type a cluster of separate fashions, or linked on the doorways to make a whole modular dwelling or superior of rooms. Throughout the event you’re pondering of turning right into a member of fairly just a few such constructions collectively, although, take into accounts the additional fire hazard supplied by picket buildings positioned in shut proximity to at the least one one different . . . and residential the yurts accordingly.
The Yurt Basis
The Yurt Basis has been set as lots as present the technical know-how wanted by those that want to uncover existence that are nearer to nature and cheaper in human, financial, and ecological phrases. The Basis gathers and knowledge typical knowledge from the world’s many cultures and, when potential, blends that knowledge with the know-how of newest science to design new selections (to outdated factors) which can match man’s wants further fastidiously. The outcomes are printed contained in the hope of stimulating further individuals to increase their seek for easier methods of residing.
This plan will not be meant to function a whole set of directions, however, fairly, is meant as an information to almost certainly most likely probably the most highly effective steps concerned in growing a yurt. Throughout the event you, perchance, get hung up someplace alongside the best method, have a swim and try as quickly as additional with a clearer head.
The purchaser of this journal is entitled to assemble one Little Yurt for private use, and will not manufacture or assemble for earnings with out permission.
For extra data on yurts and concepts on suggestions on strategies to assemble your non-public, be sure that to go to:
Initially printed as “The Little Yurt” contained in the November/December 1976 disadvantage of MOTHER EARTH NEWS.