Yurts can be fully plumbed and wired to create a contemporary space for living, work, recreation, etc. This is an overview of some of the techniques that have been successful, and some considerations to be made before designing your yurt.
If you have knowledge and experience with plumbing and wiring you can assemble your yurt yourself, depending on the local building codes. However we recommend reaching out to a professional contractor if you're inexperienced to avoid complications or injury.
Overview
All pipes and wires should enter and exit the yurt from the bottom of the platform (floor) and run to their respective destinations from there. We advise against puncturing the Duro-Last membrane under any circumstances to maintain the weather-proof integrity of the yurt.
You can design your yurt with interior partition walls to create separate rooms as pictured below.
It is important to leave space between the lattice and any interior walls you choose to add, to maintain the structural integrity and wind resistance engineered into the design of our yurts.
This is one of the most practical designs to hide water lines, pipes, and wires, and it provides a solid wall for light switches and electrical outlets.
Alternatively you may attach a small support onto the lattice for light switches and electrical outlets without compromising the strength of the yurt. This should be done with care and caution to avoid cracking the lattice or puncturing the insulation or outer membrane. We recommend using short, thin screws if you chose to do this.
Utilities
Before you design your yurt you will want to assess the utilities in the location you plan to put your new structure, and determine what kind of waste management, electrical connection, water source, and heating option is most practical.
Waste management:
You'll want to consider the options for waste disposal before you build your yurt. Many pre-developed or urban areas may already have a city sewage access point or septic tank. However if this is not the case you can always install your own septic tank or utilize a greywater system and composting toilet or outhouse.
Electricity:
You may connect your yurt to the electrical grid if you have access to it, or you can opt for alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind power. Whichever way you choose you will want to ensure that you secure your panelboard to an interior wall that is not connected to the lattice. Wires may be run behind the lattice and along the rafters of the yurt, and light fixtures can be secured between rafters and/or on the compression ring. Track lights are a wonderful option for overhead lighting because they are lightweight and adjustable. Electrical outlets/ light switches can be secured on blocks on the floor, support blocks connected to the lattice, or on interior partition walls. All wires must be run into and out of the yurt from the floor, and may be concealed in interior walls, as mentioned above.
Water: If you want running water you can hook up to city water if applicable, dig a well, or have a free standing water tank. Water pumps, heaters, and small water tanks may be housed under the yurt if you plan on having a raised platform, inside the yurt for larger builds, or in a separate outbuilding . Either way you want to ensure you have taken the necessary precautions to insulate and safely house the system. Water lines and drainpipes must enter and exit the structure from the floor of the yurt, and may be concealed in interior walls, as mentioned above.
Heating: There are a various options for heating, click the button below to check out our separate post about heating your yurt!