Materials & Craft: What Makes Our Yurts Last
| Most canvas yurts in Mongolia and the grassland regions are unlikely to be waterproofed. The high-altitude region’s climate is generally dry despite heavy temperature extremes. The wooden parts also tend to be made from lower-grade woods, and there is generally a lack of attention to detail. These yurts are certainly not suited to our much wetter European climate. We have adapted our yurts to be waterproof and insulated so they can be used in our often cold and damp UK environments. All yurts are available to buy online. |
The Roof Crown (Toono)
The roof crown serves as the structural and aesthetic centrepiece of our yurts. Meticulously crafted from premium elm wood, each crown is chosen for its natural strength and resilience. To honour tradition, our artisans hand-paint every piece with authentic Mongolian motifs before applying a high-grade, water-resistant varnish to ensure it withstands the elements for years to come.
Handcrafted Timber Entrances – A Fusion of Art and Utility
Our doors are a statement of quality and heritage. Crafted from solid timber, each door is designed to maximize natural light through an integrated window, ensuring your yurt feels bright and welcoming from the moment you step inside.
Adapted for the British Climate
To ensure your yurt remains a dry sanctuary, we have added specialized rain deflectors to our door frames. This feature is specifically designed to channel rain water away from the entrance, preventing leaks and moisture build-up – an essential adaption for the wet UK weather.
To ensure your yurt matches your vision, we offer three exquisite finishes:
- Hand-Painted: Hand-Painted: Featuring traditional patterns in vibrant colours.
- Carved & Natural: The door arrives with beautiful, traditional carvings but is left unpainted, allowing you to add your own personal touch or enjoy the raw beauty of the timber.
- Gold-Leaf Carving: Deeply carved patterns finished with gold paint for a truly luxurious look.
Every door is treated with a high-durability, waterproof varnish for total peace of mind and comes equipped with a slide bolt and padlock for reliable security.
Khana (Wooden Wall Trellis)
More Room to Live: 1.6m Walls for Maximum Space
We believe your yurt should feel expansive, even if your garden space is limited. Our signature 1.6m high wall transform the interior experience. Unlike standard designs where the roof slopes down quickly, our high walls allow you to utilize the entire diameter of the yurt.
- No Wasted Space: Place shelving, wardrobes, or desks flush against the walls.
- Total Freedom of Movement: Walk right up to the edge without needing to duck.
- Perfect for Studios: Ideal for yoga or fitness, providing the head clearance needed for floor-to-edge movement.
Traditional Materials, Superior Stability
By combining ancient techniques with premium natural materials, we’ve created a yurt that offers a completely open-plan interior.
- Rawhide Joinery: Unlike modern bolts or screws, traditional rawhide bindings allow the frame to flex under tension while maintaining incredible grip.
- Weight Distribution: The willow frame acts as a spine, channelling weight directly to the floor. This eliminates the need for an obstructive central pole.
- Steam-Bent Willow: Solid willow provides the perfect balance of strength and lightness.
- Eco-Friendly Protection: We use natural linseed oil to nourish and protect the wood, ensuring a chemical-free living environment.
Our Premium Yurt Canvas: Built to Protect
When it comes to your home, the fabric matters. We use a Heavy-Duty 13.75 oz Polyester Canvas—significantly thicker and stronger than the industry-standard 12 oz fabric.
Why this is better for you:
• Extra Strength: The 13.75 oz weight is designed to handle high winds, heavy snow, and years of sun exposure without wearing thin.
• Silicone Treated: Instead of a “plastic” coating that traps heat and moisture, our canvas is treated with silicone.
• Breathable & Waterproof: Rain beads right off the surface, yet the fabric allows the yurt to “breathe.” This prevents the dampness and mold common in lower-quality shelters.
• A Dry Home: You get the perfect balance of a rugged, waterproof exterior and a fresh, condensation-free interior.
The Bottom Line: Our canvas is built for long-term living. It’s tougher than the rest and engineered to keep you dry and comfortable in any season.
Roof Cap
- Non-transparent cap: Three layers—outer canvas, wool insulation, inner lining.
- Transparent cap: Triple-layer with a clear PVC centre for maximum daylight.
Each cap secures with seven down-straps to stay firm in strong winds.
Straps
- Outer decorative: Woven horsehair—traditional, strong and weather-resistant.
- Inner structural: Poly-nylon bands lock the walls in place; moisture-resistant and ideal for the UK.
Panoramic Views with Triple-Layer Protection
Our windows are designed to offer more than just a view; they are engineered for year-round climate control. Positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock to provide an expansive feel, each window features a sophisticated Triple-Layer Insulated System:
- Fine Insect Mesh:Enjoy the breeze without the guests. Our durable mesh keeps bugs out while letting fresh air circulate.
- Clear PVC Weather Shield:A Velcro-fastened layer that creates a total seal against draughts and moisture. This can be easily removed in the summer to increase airflow.
- Outer Roll-up Canvas & Felt:The final defense. This insulated layer provides maximum heat retention on cold nights and total privacy when you need it.
Combined with our windowed door and large central skylight, you get a space that is incredibly bright, yet perfectly shielded from the elements.
The Foundation of Comfort – Our Dual-Layer Groundsheet System
Think of our groundsheet as the essential “waterproof course” for your yurt. Just like the damp-proof membrane in a permanent building, its primary job is to ensure the interior remains perfectly dry and comfortable, regardless of the conditions outside.
- • The Waterproof Base Layer: A thick, heavy-duty waterproof plastic blocks all rising ground moisture from entering the living space.
- • The Aesthetic Top Layer: Finished with a beautiful green canvas, this layer is designed to be both stylish and comfortable underfoot.
- • The “Water-Lock” Edges: The edges are uniquely curved to tack up securely between the inner felt and outer canvas. This creates a seamless seal that keeps driving rain and external water
Nature’s Perfect Thermostat: Our Advanced Sheep Wool Insulation
At Yurt Specialist, we believe that a yurt is only as good as the comfort it provides. To ensure your space remains a sanctuary regardless of the season, we use a specialized 8mm thick treated mixed sheep wool insulation.
It’s not just a traditional choice; it’s a high-performance solution engineered for modern living.
Why Our Mixed Sheep Wool Performs Better
While traditional felt has been used for centuries, our modern insulation process addresses the common pain points of yurt ownership:
- Year-Round Climate Control: Sheep wool is naturally “breathable.” In the winter, the fibers trap air to keep heat inside. In the summer, it reflects external heat, keeping the interior refreshingly cool.
- Rapid Moisture Management: Humidity is the enemy of any yurt. Our mixed wool blend has been tested as the fastest-drying material on the market. It wicks moisture away from the interior, preventing dampness and maintaining a healthy air quality.
- Insect-Repellent Treatment: Unlike older, traditional wools that can attract unwanted guests, our wool is specially treated. This ensures that moths and other insects won’t make a home in your walls, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment for years.