SOUTH BAY DIGS | Digital Edition Online

July 24, 2020

DIGS is the premiere luxury real estate lifestyle magazine serving the most affluent neighborhoods in the South Bay and Westside of Los Angeles, California.

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52 DIGS.NET | 7.24.2020 A R C H I T E C T U R E + D E S I G N 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."

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