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Yurt Living: Platform Design Options

Do yurts have to be built on a platform? Well, the FAQ page from Shelter Designs in Montana makes a case. In summary, just do it!

It’s best to have a flat surface so the kit will assemble correctly. Make your life easier, they say. Avoid mildew, and finally, ‒ be more climate efficient for comfort.

The other issue is how elaborate the design goal is. Some yurts are constructed as a second or third floor, ‒ topped on a conventional type building, for example.

Look for local yurt companies that include custom platform construction services. My local business is Yurts of Hawaii, who builds yurts made by the Colorado Yurt Company. This way, you get factory-direct pricing and fabulous customer support for you and your contractors.

Hey, treat yourself to a gift of plans from the Colorado Yurt Company. Plans from simple to oversized are absolutely free. Now these are based on t&g wood flooring when you certainly have other options. That’s another blog-write.

Note the traditional styles from Mongolian Yurts Direct in UK. They prefer wooden floors. Seems the opinion is based on ambiance. This company offers a free guide to building the floor Mongolian style. Then they go on to provide alternative recommendations from compacted clay, to concrete base, marine plywood, pallets, etc. You get the platform-floor idea.

The yurt platform makes one wonder if they want to DIY or to pay for construction professionals. Do-it-yourselfers can go for it, but be sure the off-grid mode is feasible on the site. Typically each county requires licensed contractors to obtain a building permit.

Yurt prices usually range from $5,300 to $18,000. That depends on size and upgrades. Extras to calculate are shipping and the platform construction, ‒ not to mention materials, plumbing, power and interior furnishings. Let’s face it, times are favorable to downsize and simplify. A yurt may spell relief!

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Yurt Living – Design Rules Pricing
Yurt Living – Climate Comfort Part 2
Yurt Living – Climate Comfort
Yurt Living – Getting Started

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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