Mongolian Yurts

UC Extension X413.1
Homework #1
Duane Kubischta
Mongolian Yurts
Climate and Indigenous Architectural Adaptation
Climate
Mongolia is high, cold, dry, and clear. It has an extreme continental climate with long, cold winters
and short summers. The country has an average elevation near 5,183 ft and an annual mean
temperature below the freezing point.
Summer high temperatures do reach the high 60's and low 70's F, while winter low temperatures
exceeding -25º F are normal in the upper elevations
There is not much precipitation in this dry climate. The northern part of the country (the wettest
part) averages between 8 to 14 inches of precipitation. Most of the annual precipitation falls during
the summer months, in July and August. During the winter, the cold weather keeps the snow
around; About 62 per cent of the country’s territory is covered by snow for more than 50 days in a
year. This snow cover provides a water resource for the herding animals. More than half the
country is covered by permafrost, which makes construction, road building, and mining difficult.
The Mongolian climate also has a lot of clear days. The country averages 257 cloudless days a
year. This is the result of it usually being at the center of a region of high atmospheric pressure.
The clear skies in winter are due to high anticyclone dominance over Mongolia.
The winters can also bring a lot of windy conditions as fronts move across the high elevations.
Summer Ventilation
Low profile and round shape provide low
resistance to high winds
Maximum space, no internal
support
Architectural Adaptation
The yurt is the traditional dwelling of the Mongolian nomads. It has a circular shape, is supported by a collapsible wooden frame, and is covered by wool felt. In
Mongolia, a "yurt" is called a "ger” and this has come to be the generally accepted word for “home.” Although the yurt was primarily designed for the nomadic
lifestyle, it's architecture is adapted to the local climate.
The nomads of Mongolia moved often to allow their herds to change grazing locations. They moved as often as every three weeks. In addition to needing to be able
to carry their dwelling, they also needed to be able to set up and take it down quickly. A yurt can be set up in as little as an hour.
The Mongolians also relied on local resources. The wood for the trellis frame was a scarce resource and had to be traded for from lowland valleys, but the wool felt
cloth exterior was an abundant resource from the many sheep herds. This felt also provided a high insulation value at relatively light weight. The herders also added
additional blankets to the interior of the yurt to increase the insulation. When it did get hot on the short summer, the perimeter felt could be rolled up in the summer to
allow breezes to enter the dwelling
The round shape of the yurt played a critical role in adapting to the cold climate. The round shape provides the maximum amount of space while exposing the
minimum about of exposed surface area. The round shape also provides less wind resistance for the high winds coming from any direction. The round style was
later adapted into modern Mongolian architecture with the trellis wall being replaced with stone and concrete.
Because of the low amount of precipitation, the yurt does not need to be extremely water proof. However, animal fats were used to provide water resistance and the
felt is quick drying.
The raised central roof ring brings in light and serves as ventilation. The center opening had a rim around it to allow for smoke to exit more easily as the hot air rises
to the center. The door of the yurt traditionally faced south and the herders used the suns rays shining through the crown opening relative to the door as a sundial.
As evidenced by numerous yurt sales sites and rentals, the yurt has entered the western mainstream as an affordable and durable dwelling for vacation or
permanent use. The architectural and climatic adaptation are just as relevant to the modern world as they were to traditional Mongolian nomadic herders.
References
YurtInfo.org
Wikipedia.org
DiscoverMongolia.mn
YurtSpecialists.com
WorldAtlas.com
Ulaantaij.com
mongolclimate.mn