Yurts
The Mongolian yurt, or ger, is a round, somewhat portable, self-supporting structure. Yurts provide basic shelter at a far lower cost than other building type because they are structurally simple. They are traditionally made from small poles and sheets of wool, but modern coverings include canvas and wood paneling. It does not rely on ropes or stakes to hold itself up; rather, the walls, rafters, roof ring, and tensioning bands all work against each other to keep the structure standing. The rafters bear the weight of the roof ring, so no center pole is necessary unless the yurt is very large. They also can withstand high winds.
Yurt: A Traditional Dwelling as an Alternative Building Design
(Spring 2000)
[ Home | Calendar | Contact | CCAT News | Support CCAT | Site Feedback | Search ]