Nomadic Mongolians are known for the style of dwelling they live in. This make-shift home is called a yurt, and they only take about an hour or two to be entirely constructed. Having been around since the 13th century, the Mongols have perfected this style of living.
The walls that make up the entire circumference of the yurt structure are similar to sliding slat blinds. The walls of the yurt are able to compress together, making traveling and relocation with/of the yurt easy. When the walls of stretched out and arrayed in a circle, the yurt now has a strong structure to rest on.
The next piece of building materials, and probably the most important one, is the circular wooden dome that sits in the center of the yurt. This dome is the crux of the roof. Two legs project from the dome to the floor on the inside of the yurt. Wooden poles lock into this dome, and the opposite end of the same pole is strapped tightly to the side of the wall. To hold objects in place, the Mongols use specific types of rope, most commonly from the hair of a yak.
Once the dome is secure, the main structure is complete!
Now it is time to insulate the Yurt. The first layer is intended to waterproof the structure, so they wrap the structure in a tarp-like plastic. This layer is followed by skins or felts that insulate the yurt for warmth. There are usually two or three layers that comprise the exterior shield.
A yurt is typically furnished with the necessities for life on the Mongolian planes. Typically a wood-burning stove is present, as well as a couple beds (depending on family size), and basic kitchen amenities. If you are a guest in someone's yurt, make sure you sit on the LEFT! The right is for family...
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