Dorje Inc. Modern Yurt: Research in Action

This is a short video of a multi-facted experiment that we're conducting. First, it's a experiment in using modern materials to quickly and affordably construct a tradtional shelter structure -- in this case, a yurt. The design is great for cold environments with a significant snowfall; in other words, places you'd really want to have shelter.

Our second objective is to have an environmental enclosure that would give us a known volume of heated space with a known insulated R-value and known ventilation. After all, what is research without greater knowledge at the end? We are going to continue the experiment with scale-size renewable heat devices; we're considering a solar thermal option as well as an increased solar PV option.

That's why we experiment!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Dorje
• green
• yurt
• foamboard
• solar
• thermal
• renewable
• energy
• cheap
• shelter
• traditional

[dbjarrett]

So... this little structure withstood 60 mph winds, huge snow loads from a record blizzard -- and several long plunges below zero.

From the collected data, the internal temperature never dropped below 38 degrees even in -9 external temps (and with just a 1500 w oil heater for heat). We weren't even trying hard!

[dbjarrett]

@TheDudeRulez09 Oh, this was more about quickly deployable temporary shelter. Foam is relatively inert once it's made.

I mean, if it had been our purpose to use natural materials, we certainly would have. This is modeled after a milennia-old traditional Mongolian structure made of yak felt. You don't get any more natural than living in a geometric hairball.

We built this as a model emergency shelter. It works -- and brother, boy does it!

[TheDudeRulez09]

I like your ideas but you have got to get into using non toxic materials!! this world is headed towards ridding itself of them, natural materials are inexpensive and better for your health and for the planet!!

[dbjarrett]

@andyrichmond lol! I don't tend to waste money on aesthetics for experimental models; though the production models could look like just about anything. I think I might tend towards either a cottage-type look or camoflage. Depending on the location. Yeah, this one isn't pretty, but it's a great space.

[andyrichmond]

don, do aesthetics ever play a part in your experiments? it would look far more yurt'ish covered in animal hide and a few hand woven, sun bleached, kilims :) joking aside, i love the fact that you've taken it upon your self to 'experiment' and educate. the planet is in a dire state. eco warriors like yourself get a big thumbs up from me...power to ya matie!