Structure Design

The Yurts at Hartsel Home

This page details the foundation, structural approach, and floor plan concepts for two yurts.

Hartsel Home project features two 30-foot-diameter yurts. They are named Sage Meadow and Aether Ridge for ease of reference and, of course, personality.

To everyone helping this vision come to life, A Heartfelt Thanks.

What is a Yurt?

A yurt is a remarkable circular tent-like dwelling. Traditionally, they are constructed with a wooden lattice frame covered with durable fabric and are topped with a dome.

The circular structure provides:

strength
stability
even temperature distribution
snow, rain, and wind resistance

Originally developed in Central Asia (Mongolia) and used by nomadic people, yurts are designed to be both sturdy and highly portable. Today, yurts are often built as permanent dwellings with contemporary amenities while retaining their traditional charm. Their expandable nature allows for the addition of multiple interconnected yurts, offering flexible building solutions.

Foundation - FPSF Heated Concrete Slab

Yurt will sit on insulated concrete slabs designed for a cold-climate frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF). The goal is a durable finished concrete floor while keeping excavation affordable in Hartsel, Colorado.

Key Features:

30’ diameter circular slab
Thickened-edge FPSF perimeter
Insect-resistant insulation
Compacted gravel base + 15 mil vapor barrier
Radiant tubing embedded in slab
Concrete stained and sealed as the final interior floor

Further Concepts & Additions:

Extra-Height Concrete Ring. Frame sits on this ring, adding 3′ to overall height of structure. Modified door kits.
Conventional 4′ footer shown for reference
Hexagon sidewalk
Small porch or utility slab protrusion

>> Download Bid Summary (PDF) for full foundation construction specs.

Yurt 1 - Aether Ridge

Description: 30′ Colorado Yurt w/ Wind & Snow Kit. Tan Roof & Timber Walls. 2 Standard Doors, Roof & Wall Insulation, Bronze Dome with Dome Lifter, Stove Pipe Outlet, and Dome Bug Net.

Sliding Glass Window (Taupe) – Counter Height 1.00
Sliding Glass Window (Taupe) – Standard 4.00

Diameter: 30′ (706 sf)
Access: 2-Doors, Parallel at 6 and 12o’clock
Key features:
- Extra-Height Concrete Ring Foundation
- Loft Bedroom: Polygonal half-circle freestanding structure, doubles as ceiling for below enclosed area/bath.
- Kitchen, master full bath, laundry
- Closets for storage and mech needs
- Open living area with radiant slab heating
- Natural light through 5 windows + central dome

Yurt 2 - Sage Meadow

Description: 30′ Colorado Yurt w/ Wind & Snow Kit. Tan Roof & Sage Walls. 2 Standard Doors, 3 Fabric Windows, Roof & Wall Insulation, Bronze Dome with Dome Lifter, Stove Pipe Outlet, and Dome Bug Net

Sliding Glass Window (Taupe) – Counter Height 3.00
Sliding Glass Window (Taupe) – Standard 2.00

Diameter: 30′ (706 sf)
Access: 2-Doors, Parallel at 6 and 12o’clock
Key features:
- Flexible open plan for office, studio, multipurpose
- Kitchen, full bath, laundry
- Closet for storage and mech needs
- Natural light through 5 windows + central dome