Yurt 2.0
Collaborators: Chen Ziqian (John), Chen Yixin (Victoria), Gerald Low
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
_ Honourable Mention in Buildner's MICROHOME Edition #6 Competition
Traditional yurts, also known as gers, have been an integral part of Mongolian culture and lifestyle for centuries. It is estimated that around 30% of Mongolia’s population still lives in traditional yurts. The impetus for this project arose from a desire to address the dual objectives of safeguarding cultural heritage and perpetuating the nomadic way of life, while simultaneously meeting the modern standards of comfort and practicality necessary for a family unit comprising of 3.
Yurt 2.0 is designed to offer insulation and protection against extreme temperatures and strong winds prevalent in Mongolia. This is achieved through the incorporation of glasswool insulation, light-weight timber frame structures, and the application of steel cladding. These enhancements effectively mitigate the burning of coal for heat and retains the indoor thermal environment.
It exhibits enhanced modularity and improved assembly and disassembly capabilities in comparison to its traditional counterpart. The design incorporates 3 types of modular rooms equipped with casters and 4 secondary spaces with adjustable flooring, allowing for convenient maneuverability and flexibility according to the resident’s preferences.
Mongolians are seeking ways to integrate the conveniences of modern amenities into their tradtional homes. Yurt 2.0 features solar panels and batteries to generate electricity, enabling them to charge their smartphones for activites such as monitoring cashmere wool prices and maintaining communication with potential buyers. But fundamentally, electricity is used to power the freezer and lights during night. Amenities also includes a greywater tank for flushing and an anaerobic reactor to turn food, human, and animal waste into organic biogas for cooking.
Yurt 2.0 is only the beginning. Newer versions will continue to develop and adapt, navigating through the delicate balance between tradition and modernisation.
