So how can outdoors businesses get ahead of this wave of eco-conscious travelers? Yurts are a great answer. Easy-to-install, cost-effective, and low-impact, yurts offer several environmental and financial benefits for campgrounds or outdoor resorts looking to provide a unique guest experience. 

How We Build Sustainable Yurts

When we started Pacific Yurts in 1978, our goal was to help bring people closer to nature while minimizing their mark on it. Fast-forward 45 years, and we’ve perfected our formula. Today, we’re proud to supply park systems, outdoor resorts, and campgrounds with durable, resource-efficient yurts that make a big impact on guests, not the environment. 

Here’s how we keep sustainability in mind from manufacturing to shipping, and every step in between.

No Excavation Needed

One benefit of our yurts is that they’re strong but lightweight. Unlike traditional wooden cabins, Pacific Yurts don’t require a permanent concrete foundation. Instead, they’re typically installed on a post and beam platform that uses a series of footings onto which posts are fastened. 

These footings allow our yurts to be installed without excavating or leveling the land, which means they can be installed on sloped or uneven sites. Less environmental modification equals less cost, and this flexibility allows businesses to generate revenue from parts of their land that may have been previously unusable. Lastly, our yurts are assembled from a combination of relatively small components, which can be easily carried onto a site by hand, or via a light vehicle, ATV, or sled. 

Waste Is a Big No-No 

At Pacific Yurts, much of our lumber iswe carefully select second-growth lumber sourced directly from forests certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. We believe in reducing unnecessary waste wherever possible, which means we only choose the appropriate grade and length of boards for each yurt component. 

If a piece of lumber doesn’t meet our strict standards, we use it to build our shipping crates. Over the years, we’ve heard from a number of customers who have used this wood to make furniture, cabinetry, vanities, and more. To keep as much out of the landfill as possible, we also donate any leftover materials and byproducts. For example, local crafters and families use our end cuts and wood scraps to design art and heat their homes, while gardeners and horse owners make quick use of our sawdust.

Intentional Craftsmanship

Along with limiting lumber waste, we make a conscious effort to finish our yurt components with as little impact as possible. We use a low VOC oil stain on each of our wood components, which is applied by hand (rather than atomized/sprayed) to avoid air pollution. We then allow these to air dry away from our staff on large, lined metal trays that capture drippings that would otherwise be absorbed into the soil.

Why the Future of Outdoor Businesses is Green

At the end of the day, sustainability isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also good business sense. Back to Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report: 43% of travelers are willing to pay extra for sustainable accommodations, but 44% don’t know where to find them. There’s a massive gap in the eco-tourism space, and if your business can help fill 

that gap, you’re opening yourself up to a whole new cohort of travelers. 

What’s more, excavation for cabins and lodges is quite costly. You’re also limited by the type of land you can make use of. Yurts eliminate those problems entirely by allowing your team to build on sloped or otherwise unusable land. This way, you can reduce costs all while opening up new streams of revenue. Plus, most of our yurts can be installed in less than two days by a team of three to six, making a quick turnaround for businesses ready to ramp up their sustainable offerings. It’s a win-win. 

Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help

For businesses interested in connecting guests with nature without negatively impacting it, yurts are a natural fit. 

Curious about what yurts could look like on your property? Kickstart your imagination with our 3D Yurt Builder or browse our collection of in-stock yurts.

The post How Yurts Can Help Your Business Go Green and Boost Revenue first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

For us, sustainability isn’t just a policy, it’s at the core of everything we do. Here’s a small window into how our commitment to the environment shapes every stage of our business.   

We’re Serious About Minimizing Waste

Since the beginning, we’ve never been a fan of buying more than you need. Much of our lumber is proudly and directly sourced from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) managed forests, and we only take the exact amount required for each yurt component. 

We don’t just stop there though – we like to get creative with our recycling initiatives too. For example, any excess lumber that we don’t end up using to build our yurts is instead used to build our shipping crates. And even this excess lumber brings the heat in terms of quality. Over the years, we’ve heard from a number of customers who have used wood from our shipping crates to build beautiful furniture for their homes and yurts.

Of course, there’s no avoiding certain byproducts in the yurt-making process, but we’ve found ways to address those as well. We donate all our wood scraps and end cuts to local craftsmen and homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces, while gardeners and horse owners are always happy to get our sawdust. We also use any fabric scraps from our polyester side covers to craft shopping and duffel bags. If it’s a byproduct from our business, you can safely assume we’ve thought of a way to recycle it.

We Avoid Pollution Wherever Possible

Along with reducing waste, we do our best to eliminate pollution throughout our manufacturing process. Today, at least 25% of the electricity used in our facilities is powered by wind energy, and we rely on an abundance of natural lighting to limit electricity usage. Our wood shop, fabric shop, and office also participate in a cardboard and paper recycling program.

Additionally, we recognize how harmful typical wood staining practices can be both to the environment and to a person’s health, which is why we use a low-VOC oil stain on all of our wood components. Each piece is stained by hand instead of atomized or sprayed to reduce air pollution, then left to air dry over metal trays that capture drippings. This system has allowed us to keep countless metric tons of pollution out of our land and skies. In fact, when we consulted with OSHA to appraise our staining area, they praised our environmental consciousness and commitment to protecting our team’s health. 

We Make Sustainability an Integral Part of Our Culture

Sustainability has been ingrained in our culture since day one. And for many of us, it’s not just a framework we follow at work, but at home as well. Several of our employees use scrap wood from the shop to heat their homes, and many of us love camping, glamping, and backpacking on our days off. 

We do all this not just to protect the natural world we love so much, but to offer other environmentally conscious folks the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a unique, sustainable, and fun way. We want our yurts to make a lasting impression on you, but not on the Earth.

Imagine Your Eco-Friendly Getaway

There’s nothing quite like staying in a yurt, especially one lovingly crafted by our team. Explore our range of quickship yurts up close here, or let your imagination run wild with our interactive 3D Yurt Builder.

The post Why We Treat Sustainability as More Than Just a Buzzword first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

What Factors Should I Consider Before Buying a Yurt?

Consider these key factors when researching and establishing the budget for your yurt: 

• Location. Do you have a site picked out? If you do, make sure you know the status of the plumbing, power, and other utilities available at your site. If you are off the grid, you will need to plan for alternative resources. You’ll also need to consider the climate and terrain to determine yurt options, site prep, and development costs. 
• Yurt use. How do you plan on using your yurt? If you’re using it as an office space near your home, the standard features may be enough. However, if you plan on renting it, you might want to make sure it can accommodate a kitchen or bathroom. 
• Yurt assembly. Do you have the tools and means to take it from kit to dwelling? If not, you may want to hire out the platform construction and possibly the yurt assembly.

Each of these factors will help you determine which features you’ll want or need, so you can establish a more accurate budget for your yurt.

What Yurt Features Can I Get?

All Pacific Yurts come with a set of standard features as part of the base price. These include top and side covers with two screened clear fabric windows, lattice wall, rafters, center ring, dome skylight, door, tension cable, and more. We also have a variety of unique options and upgrades available, including glass windows, french doors, screen doors, and more. These additional add-ons can increase the average cost of a yurt but also add long-term value. Depending on the climate where the yurt will be built, you may consider adding our snow and wind kit, insulation package, dome skylight opener, and other options.

On-site customization can also be considered. Gas or wood stoves can be installed for colder weather, while ceiling fans or air conditioning units may be installed to keep the yurt interior comfortable in warm weather, ductless mini-split heat pumps are another popular choice for heating and cooling. Kitchenettes, bathrooms, and walls to separate each room can be added to a Pacific Yurt. Some yurt owners have installed a loft in their yurt, allowing for more space and storage. If you think of a feature you want your yurt to have, chances are you can make it happen. Remember that just as with any construction project, the total costs involved will vary depending on the quality, materials, and labor pricing. If it is not a DIY project, you should consider getting at least two estimates from well-qualified contractors.

How Are Yurts Used?

Yurts can be used in a variety of ways. Some yurt owners have yurts built on their property, using the space for guests, office space, or studios. Others have utilized their yurts for additional income by turning them into Airbnbs. On the other hand, campgrounds across the country have incorporated yurt glamping into their offerings, allowing visitors to have the best experiences of camping while staying in a yurt that offers more home comfort. In the end, there is no right or wrong way to use a yurt—only the best way for you!

Further reading: our Guide to Starting a Successful Glamping Business

What Can I Expect From Owning a Yurt?

Much of the expense of owning a yurt comes at the beginning with platform construction, yurt installation, and the utilities and interior amenities you choose to add. As with any structure, there is maintenance required that may impact the average cost of a yurt. If necessary, exterior yurt components like the roof and wall coverings can be easily replaced after many years of use. Pacific Yurts offers support and guidance to our customers on maintenance, cleaning, and caring for your yurt.

Why Choose Pacific Yurts?

At Pacific Yurts we’re committed to building a yurt that meets and exceeds your expectations. When considering the relatively low cost of building you’ll find that they can be a fantastic and affordable option for guest housing, studios, Airbnbs, and more. If you’re in the market for a yurt and have a tight budget, Pacific Yurts can help you get fitted with the best yurt for you.

Contact us today for an estimate and get started constructing your dream yurt today.

The post How Much Does a Yurt Cost? first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

Pacific Yurt Upgrades 

A Pacific Yurt is a blank canvas for you to explore different ideas and innovations to make your yurt as unique as you. These modern yurts have a range of features for you to explore. 

Wood or Gas Stove 

Wood and gas stoves are unique in their ability to make any space feel warm and comfortable. They are ideal for keeping your yurt warm in the winter and they aren’t as complicated to install as you might think. There are five simple steps to this installation, and all you need is the proper supplies and tools. Wood or gas stoves are especially nice to have in your yurt if you use it as a guest house, Airbnb, office, or studio because of the special ambiance they can add. 

Yurt Interior Storage

Part of the charm of yurt living is the ability to thrive with only the essentials. However, if you need to store a lot of possessions in your yurt, you can get creative. It’s especially useful to know these tricks if your yurt is meant for guests. If you’ve built your yurt on an elevated platform, the first place to look for storage is down. This enclosed space can be customized with a lock and is ideal for storing outdoor or seasonal gear. If below isn’t an option, look up. Depending on the yurt’s size you might be able to build a loft area. This adds more storage space and gives character to the yurt interior. 

Modern Yurt Lighting

Lighting is one of the most innovative ways you can get creative with your yurt. Contrary to standard yurt design, you can adjust the lighting of your yurt interior to complement the space to your liking. Pacific Yurts owners have gotten creative by hanging unique lights from the rafters and decorating the outside of their yurts with outdoor lights. You can also add lamps and nightlights with personality to spruce up your space. 

DIY Yurt Decorating

Your yurt lattice is one of the most versatile parts of the yurt when it comes to DIY decorating. If you want to make your yurt unique without spending a lot of money, here is the perfect option. Some yurt owners have painted the lattice walls of their yurts to add color to the space, others have added vines that trail up the walls. Anything from floating bookshelves to fun pieces of art or hanging fabric wall panels can be considered. Those who feel the lattice can be distracting and busy like to break it up with neutral colored fabric panels hung from the tension cable along the lattice wall. This can provide visual relief from the lattice pattern. The important thing here is to choose what speaks to you and the space you want your yurt to represent. 

Solar Powered Yurts

Solar powered yurts are on the rise. If you live somewhere that gets plenty of sunlight and have the resources to install solar panels adjacent to your yurt, this is an exceptionally helpful yurt upgrade. There are a variety of sizes when it comes to solar panels for your yurt. The first step is to calculate your energy needs and explore your solar power options based on this. Yurts with solar panels are a wonderful way to keep your yurt eco-friendly. 

Other Walls and Structures

You can divide up the space in your yurt by adding interior walls. These features can make a yurt look and feel more like a typical home. They can separate a kitchen from a bedroom and isolate a bathroom away from the rest of the yurt interior. Pacific Yurt owners have taken it a step further and built exterior structures that connect to their yurt. There are no limits to how you structure the inside or external additions to your yurt. Plus, with new features like our power dome opener, you’ll always find ways to upgrade your space.

How to Upgrade Your Pacific Yurt

Pacific Yurts knows how to build a yurt that matches your needs. You have absolute freedom when it comes to how to decorate the inside of your yurt and how to expand upon the exterior. Contact us today to take the first steps toward getting your first yurt or upgrading your existing one. 

Want to see more Pacific Yurts?

Visit us on Pinterest!

The post 6 Ways Yurt Owners Can Upgrade Their Pacific Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

For most Pacific Yurt owners, gardening and maintaining the land around their yurt goes hand-in-hand with many of the energy-efficient practices encouraged by circular living. While cultivating the land around your yurt may be easier said than done–depending on your location–there are a few things to consider when it comes to developing a sustainable yurt garden. By practicing a handful of simple habits, you can successfully develop and maintain your garden with as little of a footprint as possible. 

Check us out on Instagram for daily yurt inspiration!

1. Think Creatively About Your Yurt Garden Space 

Congratulations! You’ve assembled your Pacific Yurt, and made it to the fun part: planting a yurt garden. The key elements to any garden are accessible water, sunlight, and the quality of the soil you’re using. When it comes to sustainability, you should also look for areas that receive more water naturally for conservation purposes. While this process can be time-consuming, it’s well worth the effort. Doing so will help you determine the perfect, and eco-friendly spot, for you to easily cultivate your land. 

We recommend taking the time to observe the land around your yurt. Spend a few hours simply watching how the sun moves around it and look for daytime shadows that might obscure certain plots of land that hinder growth. Next, conduct a soil test in any area that seems the most viable for planting. Soil tests can be conducted by sending small samples to independent agricultural labs, which will tell you the composition of your dirt, and how well it will support a garden. Finally, consider how much moisture you’ll need for each area, and think carefully about the location of your beds and plots to maximize your water sustainably.

2. Harvest Rainwater and Use a Drip Irrigation System

One of the best things you can do when creating your sustainable Pacific Yurt garden is to harvest and reuse rainwater. You can do this by creating a basic DIY drip irrigation system that uses rainwater stored in a tank or cistern to deliver water to your plants through a hose in your garden. If you need to, attach a lid to the water collection barrel to ensure that animals (or children) aren’t able to contaminate the water inside. You’ll also want to place the spigot in a convenient location so it’s easily accessible. 

Drip irrigation systems are a great way of directing water to where it needs to go. You can run a line from your tank to your plants, which can be covered in mulch or left exposed. When your rainwater tank is full, you can rely on gravity to distribute water to your plants accordingly. To maximize your resources, it’s important to place moisture-demanding plants closest to the waterline and move drought-resistant ones further away.

3. Segment and Choose Plants That Use Less Water

Another component of creating a sustainable garden around your Pacific Yurt is choosing eco-friendly plants that don’t over-consume water. Investing in more perennials and fewer annuals is an easy way to reduce water usage. If you’re looking to create a garden that provides the bulk of your produce, try selecting herbs and other edible plants that soak up less water, such as certain kinds of beans, squash, tomatoes, and melons. 

Limit your growth of high-moisture plants like lettuce, corn, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage – or reuse rainwater when possible. If you have a few plants in your garden that need more moisture than others, try grouping them together, and leave drought-resistant, less water-hungry plants in a group of their own. Doing this will help you segment your water usage, which can make your garden more efficient overall.

4. Compost to Enrich Soil and Help Plants Grow

Another effective way to make your yurt garden greener is by composting your waste. Composting has become much more popular in recent years, and many of the common misconceptions about the process have been debunked. Knowing how to compost properly is key to your garden’s success. Generally, cold composting is very simple and safe. Add organic waste to your indoor compost bin to successfully create enough natural material to add to your garden and keep it healthy. Common things to compost include fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Outside of the house, grass clippings, dry leaves, and straw make great composting materials as well. A great composting process is a critical step in making the garden outside of your Pacific Yurt as clean and sustainable as possible. 

Start Growing Your Sustainable Yurt Garden Today! 

Pacific Yurts has been the leader in yurt sustainability and industry practices since 1978. We champion green efforts by encouraging eco-friendly practices in and outside of our yurts. 

Pin the full infographic

The post Four Tips for Making a Sustainable Yurt Garden first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

The best news? Arranging an artist retreat of your own doesn’t have to be costly or inconvenient. By planning one at a Pacific Yurt, you can inhabit an inherently imaginative space with an emphasis on simplicity and environmental friendliness at a lower cost than many other rental options. 

Here are five compelling reasons to have your next creative retreat in a Pacific Yurt.

1. Yurts are the perfect creative space to have an artist residency.

Pacific Yurts are designed in a circular format that inspires creative work, making them the perfect lodging solution for your next artist residency or retreat. Working in an area with an established center encourages your brain to slow down its go-go-go processing mechanisms and lets you focus on your art. Since Pacific Yurts provide an abundance of natural light, they’re also a great place for painters and illustrators to sketch and draft their work without the need for artificial light. What’s more, their circular design creates phenomenal natural acoustics that’s ideal for the musician seeking solo rehearsal time away from town.  

2. Yurts are often built in quieter locations that keep artists focused.

Yurts for artists are specifically built in quieter and less distracting areas with acoustics that promote natural sounds. This makes them a prime lodging solution for artists looking to access their imaginative energy in a space that keeps them focused and away from distractions.

3. Yurts are typically located in inspiring natural locations that promote creativity.

Looking for the perfect place to connect with your natural creative energy? A yurt might be the answer. Most Pacific Yurts are set in a serene location that offers artists the chance to awake their creative senses in the solitude of nature. Whether you’re seeking a rustic wilderness experience or a nature-filled stay at a ski resort, there are a plethora of options when it comes to yurts for creatives. All of which also encourage you to embrace the natural world as a part of your process.

4. Yurts are the perfect place to disconnect and stay artistic.

One of the critical aspects of a successful artist retreat is unplugging from the outside world so you can focus on your work. While some yurts offer WiFi and full connectivity, many yurt rentals don’t offer cell service or digital access of any kind. Despite the anxiety this produces in many of us, there’s a reason that yurts for writers, musicians, and artists often don’t include the great temptation of online connection. In fact, this can help to keep you focused on the original work at hand.

5. Yurts are affordable lodging solutions artists love. 

One of the biggest advantages for artists planning a solo retreat or a residency has to do with affordability. Apart from being relatively inexpensive to buy and build one, Pacific Yurts can be rented across the country for anywhere between $30 – $100 USD a night–depending on your needs. Compared to a hotel, lodge, or other structures available for rent, yurts are a premium option for artists interested in low-cost accommodations that allow you to center in on the artistic process in a more natural way.

Plan your next artist retreat in a Pacific Yurt

We live in a society encouraging original expression, but finding enough time and the right location to dedicate to an imaginative craft can be challenging. With the abundance of social media outlets and the need to feel constantly “connected,” protecting your space is as important as ever. Investing in yourself as an artist is a critical step in the inventive process, one that has a significant impact on the quality of work you produce. 

Looking for a yurt for your next artist residency? Check out Pacific Yurts’ yurt vacations page to find a yurt near you! For more inspiration, check out our top 5 yurts to visit this summer, and start planning the next step in your creative life!

The post Five Reasons to Plan an Artist Retreat at a Pacific Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

The Alaskan Inuit still occasionally construct domed igloos, which rely on heavily compacted blocks of snow to create a solid, insulated structure without mortar or supports. Half of Mongolia’s modern population live in yurts, known there as “gers.” Their traditional cylindrical home uses water-resistant wool felt or animal skin to cover a wooden lattice frame, and as temperatures drop on the steppe, residents add more layers for warmth.

You can find round homes like igloos, yurts and tipis worldwide. While a lot of houses today have adapted sharp corners and angular walls, living in round spaces instead of traditional homes offers a unique range of benefits.

1. Energy Efficiency

With the right features, environmentally conscious yurt owners can save money on monthly bills while protecting the environment. A single solar panel can produce enough power to run 84 light bulbs for 1 hour a day, depending on the location and solar exposure. Installing a composting toilet can also reduce water use by 20-50 percent.

Windows and door placement can additionally maximize solar heat and light reaching your yurt. Insulation liners can keep your yurt warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by reflecting up to 97 percent of radiant heat around your yurt. Choosing Low-E insulated glass windows helps minimize heat loss, and placing windows opposite to each other provides gross-ventilation to keep your space cool. Plus residents can open the skylight to cool off during hot summers.

On average, round buildings use 15 percent to 20 percent less materials per square foot compared to rectangular designs as well. We craft our yurts using sustainable handpicked second growth lumber and recycle our wood scrap to reduce environmental impact.

2. Inspiration from Nature

Round spaces make many feel grounded—and with good reason. People build structures to reflect what they see. Nature reflects that inspiration through the natural circular shapes found in the wilderness. Some even say being in a yurt home, for instance, feels like returning to the comfort of the womb.

Round spaces offer a one-of-a-kind perspective. The curves of the building protect and cradle you, while still keeping you connected to the outside environment. Those in yurts can rest in comfort as they listen to the tapping of rain on the roof or the whistling wind through the trees. When people gather together in a round home, the shape also encourages everyone to speak with equal power. There’s no front of the room where higher status people can stand. Plus, acoustics for making conversations and playing music are incredible, and center community even more.

3. Strength

Earthquakes, hurricanes and gale-force winds can ravage a house. However, the way the wind flows around round homes can help them withstand a wide array of natural disasters. The many interconnected points in circular structures provides a high level of stability and flexibility. In fact, architect Eli Attia once claimed his “Roundhouse” technology could guard buildings as high as 100 stories from earthquakes.

“The superior aerodynamic behavior of the Roundhouse reduces the wind pressure load acting on the building to its minimum — less than half (!) that of a square building and much less than irregular building forms,” he wrote on the Huffington Post, “making the [Roundhouse technology’s] round form the most effective, least expensive to withstand high winds.”

Do the perks of living in round spaces sound good to you? Consider trying a yurt. Pacific Yurts has been the industry leader since 1978 and can help direct you toward the right yurt for you.

The post The Benefits of Living in Round Spaces first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

A stay in a yurt allows you to be close enough to nature to enjoy its sights and sounds, but not so close as to cause discomfort. You get the benefit of camping, but very little of the work involved—especially with unpacking or packing. You can arrive at your yurt, walk in, and sit down. You may have to make a bed and set up something for the kids to do, but compared to setting up a tent, it’s a lot more relaxing. It also keeps you cozy when nature is wet and cold. Having beds, natural lighting, and space adds to the ambiance of relaxation.

The space in a yurt is naturally conducive to de-stressing. Yurts sit lightly on the earth and protect us from the rougher parts of nature, but they also still let in the beautiful light and sounds, as well as the calming sound of raindrops on the roof.

Relaxing in a Yurt

We gathered some expert tips for making the most of a relaxing yurt vacation. Here’s what we found:

Forget your phone

Yurts get you out, away from the WIFI where browsing for too long will be less of a problem. When we disconnect from the things that are pulling at us online, our minds and bodies begin to re-adjust to a slower pace.

There’s another important reason for minimizing phone use during your stay in a yurt: Sleep. According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a third of Americans are not getting the sleep they need on a regular basis. Your yurt vacation is the time to reset any bad sleep habits. Studies also tie smart phone usage near bedtime to interrupted sleep cycles. More reasons to leave devices in the car.

Really Enjoy the Quiet

A vacation can have wonderful effects on us if we let it do its job. We need to choose locations and activities that truly allow our nervous systems to decompress. It’s best to avoid overscheduling things and release any fear of missing out on something.

This one seems obvious, but experts teach that one of the best ways to de-stress is to meditate and just breathe. Yurt vacations allow us to do this. Sitting in a yurt, with the sunlight streaming in through the skylight, you can indulge your senses in outdoor goodness. Even though you are protected from the elements, you can still enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

Choose Activities Intentionally

Many yurt rentals are located on sites where there are other luxury options to experience along with glamping in a yurt. Take full advantage of a hot tub on site or any spa services. These are well worth the expense. Spend time intentionally in meditation, breathing in the peace.

This is the time to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Many of us do this best in a setting where we are also reconnecting with nature, which is another wonderful feature of most yurt vacations.

Guard the Time

One of the problems with not getting truly rested during time off is that we all have some degree of not wanting to let things go.  We tend to bring work with us. Of course, we should work hard before vacation to get things in order, but once off duty, if anything does come up, we should intentionally re-schedule or delegate to others. It’s best to decide ahead of time who to check in with (if anyone) and keep it to a minimum. And naturally, the experts recommend checking email as little as possible. We have to really protect our vacation time to get the benefit of it.

A Final Word

Experts tell us the best vacations are those that allow us to slow down enough to learn our own actual patterns again. Yurt vacations allow us to reconnect to our own natural rhythms. To eat when we’re hungry and sleep when we’re tired. To notice when we need something and be able choose it. This is what a yurt vacation can do for us.

To explore the growing number of yurt rentals in your area or favorite vacation spot, visit our online Yurt Vacation Planning Tool. Taking a yurt vacation is a decision you will not regret.

The post 5 Ways to Relax & De-Stress in a Yurt first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

Myth #1: Yurts are just like tents with no insulation value, so they are always too hot or cold.

The Facts: Although the yurt’s compact, circular shape and conical roof encourage excellent air flow by themselves, reflective insulation is available for the modern yurt to make it more comfortable year round. In addition to having insulation, the yurt can be cooled in the summer by opening the dome skylight and windows to pull fresh air inside and aid in natural convection cooling. A ceiling fan, screen door and operable floor vents can help to increase airflow and keep things cool. A tinted dome, shade screen and window awnings can also be used for unshaded locations. Ductless air conditioners are often installed or ducting under the platform for a central AC unit.

In the winter months, the reflective insulation, along with a good heat source, can make the modern yurt quite cozy and warm. In addition, most conventional heating methods will work in a yurt; from a wood or gas stove to electric heat, radiant floor heating or ductless heat pump. A ceiling fan can be used to circulate the heat inside and insulated window covers can minimize heat loss through fabric windows, or our thermal glass windows could be installed. Additional information about heating and cooling modern yurts can be found on the FAQ section of our website.

Myth #2: Yurts aren’t secure.

The Facts: Modern yurts can be quite safe and secure. They include solid doors with a keyed lockset and option to add a deadbolt or even a keyless entry deadbolt. The continuous wood lattice wall spans all the way around the perimeter of the yurt, so things stay safe within. Even if a thief were to cut the side cover they would be stopped by the lattice. This means the only entry points are doorways, similar to a typical house. As with other structures, alarms and motion sensors can be added as well.

Myth #3: Yurts don’t last very long.

The Facts: The yurt’s wood frame could last indefinitely. The only portion of the frame that is exposed to weather is the exterior of the door, which should be resealed regularly. As with any structure, the longevity and/or maintenance necessary will vary depending on the environmental conditions that it is exposed to (UV exposure, moisture, etc.) and the materials used to construct the structure.

The modern Pacific Yurt has exterior covers made from architectural fabrics that are designed for year round exposure to the weather. The average life span of our standard fabrics has been ten to twelve years, while our premium top cover fabric has been lasting twenty years or more. If the top or side cover wears out it can be replaced pretty quickly without having to dismantle the yurt.

Myth #4: Yurts won’t hold up to strong winds or heavy snow.

The Facts: The basic yurt design is highly efficient in maximizing strength while minimizing material needed to construct it. The aerodynamic shape means wind easily flows around it rather than pushing on flat walls. Beyond the natural strength of the basic yurt design, the modern Pacific Yurt can include options designed to enhance the structural capability, which are professionally engineered to meet modern building code standards. If you let us know what your roof or wind loads requirements are Pacific Yurts staff can let you know which optional features would be necessary.

Myth #5: All yurts are the same.

The Facts: Although the basic shape and the basic components used to create them are pretty similar, there are many differences between yurts. One example is the wood framework. Every Pacific Yurt is constructed of beautiful Kiln-dried Douglas fir that is sanded and coated with a penetrating oil for a stunning natural finish. Each component is made from a specific grade of lumber chosen specifically for the application to ensure consistent durability and strength. Other yurts are often made from various species of lumber and have components with large knots and other structural flaws that are not within the appropriate grade to provide strength under snow and wind loads.

Many yurts are built using brackets and hardware that is readily available at local hardware stores and is intended for framing that is hidden within a structure. Pacific Yurts utilizes custom hardware that is specifically designed for strength in the intended application and coated for weather resistance and lasting beauty. The wood framework of the yurt is completely exposed to the inhabitants, so any hardware used on it should not detract from the aesthetics.

The exterior fabrics used on a yurt, and their construction methods, can also be another big factor in the longevity, ease of maintenance and overall satisfaction a yurt provides. Recycled billboard or other inexpensive vinyl fabrics will not provide long term durability or have the fire safety necessary for a long term outdoor living structure. Natural organic woven fabrics sound wonderful, but require a lot of maintenance in most climates and are typically not treated for mildew resistance, fire safety and ongoing water repellency, thus are unsafe and offer limited longevity. Connection points between fabrics (or between the fabric and the platform) can also result in a shorter life span of the yurt covers. Sewing fabric using thread that will not last as long as the material itself is certain to cause problems.

Pacific Yurts is the leader in quality with the knowledge and experience to assure your long term satisfaction. Contact our dedicated  team members to answer any questions and to learn more about us, or start building your quality yurt with our unique Yurt Builder 3D tool.

The post Our Solutions for the Top 5 Myths About Yurt Living first appeared on Pacific Yurts.

Beyond manufacturing an intrinsically earth-friendly dwelling, we prioritize environmentally responsible business practices. Here are a few of the ways that our choices set us apart as earth-friendly yurt builders:

Sustainable Lumber
Our yurts incorporate lumber from sustainably managed forests.

No Spray; Hand Finishing
Atomized (spray) finish causes air pollution. We avoid this by hand finishing all wood framework.

Green Energy Choices
At least 25% of our manufacturing energy comes from renewable wind power. Natural and energy efficient lighting illuminates our shop, minimizing energy use.

Recycling
Our small wood trim pieces and sawdust are recycled to local crafters and gardeners. We recycle paper and cardboard across our facilities. Fabric remnants from our side covers are recycled into shopping/duffle bags and more. We empower customers to participate in “cradle to cradle” recycling by returning used side and top covers to the manufacturer, where they are repurposed into new products, such as gym mats.

Waste Reduction
Our second growth lumber is handpicked at the mill. By carefully choosing boards of the appropriate length and grade for each yurt component, we minimize production waste.

Naturescaping
On our property, we have conserved a grove of 100-year-old oak trees. We have also installed bird boxes and eco-friendly landscaping.

Additionally, we are always looking for earth-friendly features to incorporate in our products. If you’d like to join us seeking earth-friendly approaches, we invite you to add green features to your yurt, such as:

• Water-Catchment
  Conserve water with this yurt roof option. A fabric gutter will collect run-off and divert it to your storage tank or cistern. (Storage tank not included.) Use the resulting non-potable water for landscape irrigation and more.
• Solar Arc. Many of our customers choose to wire their yurts. Minimize the amount of energy you require for daytime lighting by adding a solar arc. This translucent roofing fabric allows sunlight to illuminate the yurt interior.
• Energy Efficient Insulation. Our seven-layer reflective insulation liner was good enough for NASA, so you can bet it will help keep your yurt interior cozy in hot and cold weather alike. Minimize your energy usage for heating and cooling by adding this insulation. We also offer insulated window covers for non-glass windows. For added efficiency, select our insulated fiberglass door complete with a thermal pane window for your yurt.
• Glass Windows. No other yurt companies sell glass window systems quite like ours. Our Custom Curve windows may be opened or closed from the yurt interior. Their efficient, low-E thermal glass is framed with a fabric flange for a tight seal against energy leaks. And you’ll love the aesthetics—the structural framework for these windows is curved, so you avoid the awkward flat panel look of other yurt manufacturers.
• Alternate Energy Sources. Solar and wind power may also be used to power your yurt; partner with a local contractor to erect these “off the grid” options.

The yurt symbolizes simplicity and conservation. Ancient Mongolian yurts could be moved from place to place with almost no impact on the land. Today, we are proud to be continuing this tradition of constructing softly upon the earth. Looking forward, we will continue to prioritize green operations and environmentally friendly yurt features.

The post A Look at Pacific Yurts’ Environmental Initiatives first appeared on Pacific Yurts.