52 DIGS.NET
| 7.24.2020
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D E S I G N S T O R Y | D O I T Y U R T S E L F
T
he yurt—that portable, tent-like structure used
by nomadic tribes—comes from ancient origins
but is having a moment. In truth it's never gone
away. "The traditional yurt may be one of the oldest
forms of indigenous shelter still used today," notes Zach
Both, who with his girlfriend Nicole Lopez and a labor
force of family and friends, built a modern version of the
primitive dwelling just outside of Portland, OR, in the
span of a weekend.
Lest one expect your average tent set-up, this Rainier
Outdoor-manufactured modern yurt is spacious with
730-square-feet of living space, water and electricity.
"Most yurts built in the U.S. today possess a rustic quality
to them akin to a log cabin," says Zach. "We attempted
to distinguish our yurt by adding a contemporary flair
with minimalist decor, muted colors, and a one-of-a-kind
round loft surrounded on almost all sides by plants." For
matters of function, a wood stove provides heat while the
bathroom features a compost toilet.
With Zach using the space as a home office and Nicole
as a relaxing sanctuary, the couple's yurt is a prototype
not only of what's possible, but doable too, thanks to the
free nuts-and-bolts building guide for those with limited
building experience that Zach created—the aptly named
DoItYurtself.com.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
COURTESY
OF
BRYAN
AULICK
W R I T T E N B Y J E N N T H O R N T O N
BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
A couple's weekend transformation
of an ancient typology into a modern
living space in the Pacific Northwest
upends convention.
"It's an opportunity to improve the natural
environment with sustainable building
practices, along with the added benefits of more
affordable housing and a deeper, more intimate
connection with our homes."