Will a yurt stand this climate?

[Birch]

Hello, I'm a new member to these forums and very glad I've found this online community! I have landed on a piece of land on the Scottish westcoast and this year I would like to build myself a safe and liveable home there. I'm very attracted to the option of a 16 or 18ft yurt, but I'm needing some advice on whether a yurt will last here in this rough coastal climate. Storms are very regular here, as are gales of 100+ mph during which all ferry services are cancelled. We get lashing rains here too and the occasional hailstorms. We're in a woodland area right near the sea, I can find a site which is somewhat sheltered, but the options I have are all unprotected towards at least one side.

Anyone who has experience with a yurt in a stormy climate and can give me some idea on whether it's advisable or not?

Thank you!

[Bob Rowlands]

We had record high, sustained wind for two days straight here a couple weeks ago. Like to 100 MPH which is mind blowing power. Like a freight train coming at you. There were trees and branches blown down all across the city. LOTS of shingled roof damage, including our house, and fences blow down.

Well guess what. My lightly built sixteen foot yurt withstood those winds fine. It is anchored very solidly to a deck, and to the ground around the deck. So yes, a yurt will survive that windy environment if anchored solidly. Buy a fifteen year cover-not a canvas cover!- and you'll be fine. Go for it. Yurts are incredible.

[Birch]

Thats really really good to know, thanks for the encouragement!

Do you have a skylight too? I'm assuming adding a skylight makes the structure less strong but I could be mistaken..

[Bob Rowlands]

No skylight. A sheet metal 'China cap' covers the hole in my ring. Copy and paste:

Bob Rowlands home made yurt

Mine is the rustic looking yurt with the green door. There are several photos, including a close up detail that shows how I attached the yurt lattice to the deck with ell brackets made from 3/4 in mild steel straps. That right there is the real reason my yurt survived the wind. My first yurt, a 14'er, was destroyed in a winter storm. Regardless of what you read about yurts staying put in high wind, I suggest anchoring VERY solidly.

[hierony]

The skylight doesn't have much to do with how sturdy a yurt is--that's the job of the crown ring.

I have heard of skylights going flying with strong winds though...

[Bob Rowlands]

New School Americanized yurts frequently feature plex domes. Sorry I know absolutely nothing about them. There have been some negative reports on here about them cracking. Haven't heard anything negative about their strength. Agree with hierony about the ring, the design has to have built in strength. As far as plex goes, perhaps keeping it coated with 3M 303 UV protectant will increase the longevity. Just a guess.

I think of the west coast of Scotland as being ruggedly beautiful. Get your yurt built and a good stove in it and enjoy life. Good luck with your plan.

[Jafo]

The big part I think to wind success is what Bob mentioned: Having the yurt secured to the deck. The only yurts I have ever heard of being destroyed by the winds, are the kinds that were not attached to any foundation.

[Pacific Yurts]

Oregon State Parks has been utilizing our yurts along the Oregon coast since January of 1994 where they regularly get severe winds and heavy rain. You should be sure to choose the appropriate features for the climate you will be using the yurt, but it certainly can withstand what you have described. You can find out more about the features we offer on our website Pacific Yurts – Modern & High Quality Award-Winning Yurts and email us if you have any questions.

[HawaiiYurts]

Red Sky Shelters was a great company, good people making more traditional yurts there in Scotland. Are you looking for the American breed of yurt or the more traditional kind? If more traditional, there are several good builders in that general area. Just be sure to check references. Poorly made yurts are no fun For American made, my favorite stands after working hands on with most of them:

Colorado Yurts

Rock! Aloha, Melissa

[froit]

I have heard of skylights going flying with strong winds though...[/QUOTE]

The skylight flying away shows the secret function of the Mongolian roof-flap:
Since the wind passing over the curved yurt-roof will create suction, the yurt as a whole tends to fly away. The Mongolian roof-flap opening lets air/pressure escape from the inside, refilling that vacuum, preventing lift-off.
Inside the yurt the sudden pressure-drop can create very sudden and short-lived condensation-clouds, it is amazing to see.
So here's my two cents: If you are in a stormy place with a plastic

dome

, dont screw it down, make so it can open/fly. If the skylight is made of polycarbonate, it will survive a bit of airborne.
Maybe secure it with a piece of rope, but don't screw it down!