Planning to build a yurt in Czech Republic

[Bob Rowlands]

That stove looks like it will work well. I'd install a nice new pipe on it if possible. Learning how to fire a wood stove is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the yurt.

Regarding building materials, taking advantage of local affordable woods is always worth considering. Unfortunately I know zilch about larch. Certainly if you have knowledge of its use in yurt khana it is worth considering. I think many species of hard and soft woods would make a fine lattice frame. Try and pick the most clear material you can and you'll have less waste.

I agree with your thoughts about the learning process. Just jump in and build one. What you learn will be applied to the next. Nomadic trad yurts are mostly about labor and less so about money.

Lastly, as an aside comment, I've found the enjoyment of any task is correlated with what I've invested in it. The more you put into the project, the more you get out, and the greater your ability to make sound and wise decisions down the road. I know it sounds kinda old school hokey but it is the truth.

I'm confident if you apply yourself you will have success. Have fun.

[Knecht]

We have wood stoves in the cottage there, so I'm quite used to fire those. Sure, using one in a yurt will be slightly different. It comes without pipes, so I'll surely have to buy some new.

Thanks for your comments and I'll keep posting my future progress details.

[Knecht]

Just negotiating with a company that makes all kinds of waterproof fabrics. They're offering me some PVC coated fabric for the roof part (I asked for something stronger than regular tent textile). It surely costs more than a normal fabric, but I don't mind investing a little extra to make the the whole thing more durable and rugged.
You guys think it's worth trying? It rains quite often at that location, with lots of snow some winters. Stronger roof would be fine. But what about condensation on a PVC coated fabric? How would it perform in hot summer days? Man, it's just more questions coming every day of the planning!

[Bob Rowlands]

I really like heavy duty cotton canvas. When treated with Sunforger a canvas covered yurt or tent easily repels water and snow. The breathability of cotton canvas yields a pleasant interior regardless of weather conditions. Cotton canvas lasts a long time in the semi arid climate of Colorado. Due to its many qualities billions of us wear it everyday. As an aside, Klepper folding kayaks still use it for their boat hulls and can get 30 years of use before failure. Now that is a strong testament to its long wearing quality.

I know zero about synthetic yurt covers, so no comment. Good luck.

[Jafo]

My Pacific Yurt has a PVC roof and I love it. Nothing seems to bother it, and you can wash it with a brush and simple soap.

[Knecht]

Thanks, I'll need to give it some brain time yet.

[Knecht]

Ok, I'm back with some news, been a while!
The yurt build has begun this week. Working with my wife on the basic floor podium now. So far we have several of the needed pillars to support and level the podium. I hope to finish these over the weekend and likely make the basic floor frame next week. My plan is to use wooden beams to create sort of spider web between the pillars. This web will then get a layer of OSB boards. A layer of polystyren

insulation

will go next, followed by wooden floor. Once the khana is done and placed on it, the floor will be marked and cut into circle to match the khana.
What you guys think of that plan? Anything really, really wrong about it?

[Jafo]

Sounds very similar to what we did this weekend, but we cut the floor before installing the khana.

[Bob Rowlands]

I haven't seen your plan. As a professional carpenter I'll say make CERTAIN the center support pad and post design is sufficiently scaled up to handle the juncture of so many framing members.

Also with joists radiating out spider web fashion from a central post assembly means the structure can be very congested with framing materials. Keep in mind there is very little swing room for a hammer, framing nailer, drills or other tools needed to complete the central structure.

Good luck.

[Knecht]

The floor frame is finished, I'll forge some iron fittings tomorrow to connect it all together. Just a bad photo, it was getting dark already. My wife is checking her future new home there.
All cuts and corner notches handmade, using just a Bahco folding saw, a chisel and mallet. I've decided to use as few power tools as I can on this build. So far - none. Will surely use a drill for all the khana holes though.