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Yurt Living – Climate Comfort

This is a yurt living series that was recently launched with a focus on purpose. My topic is climate now, which is not a hindrance for yurt lovers at all. However, consideration of comfort causes a need to review add-ons and upgrades.

Once you’ve decided the purpose of your yurt; ‒ be it home, office, rental, workshop, etc., the climate focus is the next phase. From freezing cold to tropical, study the details from manufacturers who offer insulation, gutters, roof choices, dome options, ceiling fan support, and window awnings. Other considerations are roof material choices, wall height, or an extra door.

Pictured above is an interior stove and system created by Shelter Designs. They are located in Northwest Montana and sell mostly to that region, but do offer shipping. This company sells an insulation package, including a yurt wall chimney jack for a wood or propane heat source. Their system proves to be extremely efficient in harsh northern winters and during the summer the insulation barrier reflects the sun’s heat away from the yurt to keep cool on hot days. They also offer a unique constant ventilation feature which compliments insulation.

Keep in mind that an air-tight yurt can have interior mold and mildew issues in any climate. My yurt from Yurts of Hawaii happens to be located in the tropical rain forest where mold is a major issue. Yet regardless of location, you’ll find that all manufacturers recommend a platform as pictured,  ‒ versus erecting a yurt on the ground.

The Colorado Yurt Company explains insulation options well for roof, walls and windows. They are the major supplier to Yurts of Hawaii and as all manufacturers, are in the process of sourcing more sustainable materials beyond insulation needs.

I confess to surprise that insulation was necessary in my tropical climate near seashore. It seems to be recommended everywhere. Stay tuned for more information about how to maintain comfort in your yurt and project costs. As always, comments are welcome.

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Written by Delia Montgomery

I am Delia, d/b/a Chic Eco on www.ChicEco.com, and established myself as an eco fashion guru by learning "who makes what in the world of environmental fashion and design."

Enjoy reading some of my freelance writing about environmental design, fashion and art -- from both consumer and supplier perspectives. You may notice I focus most on individual eco designers, movers and shakers.

From sustainable fashion apparel to paint and flooring, discoveries are a rush. I get my kicks this way. I also offer sales representation of earth-friendly designed products for wholesale buyers. Retailers may take advantage of my services with factory-direct pricing. Spend less time sourcing and prevent green-washed purchases!

My other forte is connecting suppliers with business-to-business tools. Aspects of my business vary with consulting services while I'm proud to be the aide that embraces unique and innovative gigs.

I'm originally a Kentucky Blue Grass gal who relocated to Maui early 2006 and the tropical Puna District of Big Island, Hawaii late 2007. Walk the talk is my motto here.

Early 2009 I constructed a yurt home office in a semi-urban setting on a tiny lot. My water comes from the sky, contained in a catchment that's not likely to dry in this rain forest. The electric is designed for solar conversion. I grow about 30% of my food organically, compost, and recycle to the hilt. Permaculture with a full eco system is my gardening style.

In fact, gardening is my ultimate joy. I seek gigs like design, weeding and planting between other jobs. My love is Hawai'i which has more climate zones than any state. There are frequent earthquakes here, typically under a 3.0 magnitude, and I happen to dig the vibrations. It's a wonderful simple life in paradise. As I grow older and wiser, I become more and more grateful.

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