What is a yurt/ger
1. [yoo-rt] noun. A traditional yurt (from the Turkic languages) or ger (Mongolian) is a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt and used as a dwelling by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia. The structure comprises an angled assembly or latticework of pieces of wood or bamboo for walls, a door frame, ribs (poles, rafters), and a wheel (crown, compression ring).
The roof structure is often self-supporting, but large yurts may have interior posts supporting the crown. The top of the wall of self-supporting yurts is prevented from spreading by means of a tension band which opposes the force of the roof ribs. Modern yurts may be permanently built on a wooden platform; they may use modern materials such as steam-bent wooden framing or metal framing, canvas or tarpaulin, Plexiglas dome, wire rope, or radiant insulation. - Wikipedia
why a Gersmith yurt
Each yurt is designed, handcrafted, and assembled by Jacob Allen in Austin, TX, using only sustainably sourced materials and cost a fraction of the price compared to commercially made yurts. We utilize a peg and relief construction allowing each yurt to be easily disassembled, transported, and reassembled. Custom covers, wall extensions, platform wood base, low VOC stain, and your choice of cedar or pressure treated wood are just a few of the options to customize all your yurt living needs.
Our yurts have been used for a plethora of purposes including guesthouse, festival tent, yoga & meditation space, greenhouse, temporary shelter and semi-permanent housing.
It all started when...
Jacob first began designing and building yurts in 2010. His intention was to create a sturdy and easily transportable structure for the 18 day Kerrville Folk Festival - of which he previously bicycled to from Austin. Considering that the fest is held during the early dog-days of summer in Texas, the yurt had to be well ventilated and able to withstand the potential thunderstorms and sudden creek flooding.
Gersmith Yurts current 4.0 version offers multiple outer layer options for rain, sun, and pest protection. We are also exploring a vapor barrier earthen stem wall for greater height and sustainability of the sides. The recycled glass bottle inclusions are a colorful addition of ambient light and texture.
Cost compare
Pacific Yurt pricing: 20’, 300sq’ area, $7895 = $27/sq’
Gersmith Yurt pricing: 18', 250sq’ area, $3,000 = $12/sq’
Payment
50% deposit to begin construction
50% balance due upon delivery