hello@yurtinthedirt.com.au
+61 489 269 088
We know this life because we lived it. Our family spent over four years off-grid in an 8m yurt before we started Yurt in the Dirt. This is the honest version: what is good, what is hard and what day-to-day living looks like.
What are the benefits of living in a yurt or dome?
- Lower setup cost. Our ORON yurt kits start at $14,350 and Geo Domes at $14,490, AUD ex GST, before the deck and fit-out.
- A quick build. Most of our kits go up in a few days once the deck is ready.
- Light and space. A round room with a skylight or panoramic window and no dark corners.
- Closer to nature. You hear the rain and see the sky, without roughing it.
- Simpler living. Less space means fewer things, which many people find freeing.
- Flexibility. A yurt can be taken down and moved, or joined by another yurt or dome later.
How do people use yurts and domes in Australia?
- Backyard studio: a creative or work space in an unused corner. See backyard studio kits.
- Guest quarters: space for visitors without a full extension.
- Retreat space: a yoga studio or meditation room, like Tanya Green's 8m ORON in the Perth Hills.
- Accommodation business: glamping stays. See how to start a glamping business.
- Off-grid home base: read can you live in a yurt in Australia.
How much space do you get?
| Diameter | Floor area | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 5m | about 20 sqm | Studio, office, guest room |
| 6m | about 28 sqm | Guest room with a lounge corner |
| 7m | about 38 sqm | Glamping stay or couple's retreat |
| 8m | about 50 sqm | Living space for a couple or small family |
| 10m | about 78 sqm | Family base or large studio |
Figures are nominal floor areas for each diameter. Straight yurt walls fit furniture more easily than a dome's curved edge.
What is day-to-day life like?
Heating and cooling. Insulation, shade and a small heater keep things comfortable. See are yurts hot or cold and heating a yurt.
Power. Many clients run on solar. Our off-grid solar guide covers system sizes.
Upkeep. Wash the cover now and then, check seals before winter and keep timber doors oiled. The outer cover lasts about 7 years, and replacements start from around $3,000 delivered, depending on size.
What are the challenges?
- Limited space can feel tight for some families.
- You feel the weather more than in a brick house.
- Rural, off-grid systems need maintenance.
- You may be further from services and community.
- Our yurts and domes do not currently comply with Australian building standards for dwellings, so approval as a permanent home is not a given. See our council approval guide.
What about living in a dome?
Domes give you a big view and a tall centre, but less usable edge space. Our living in a geodesic dome full time guide goes into it.
Who is living this life now?
Zoe and James have lived in their 8m yurt in the Northern Rivers for two years. The Munoz family built their 8m ORON homestead off-grid in the Northern Rivers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of living in a yurt?
A lower setup cost, a quick build, a bright open space, closeness to nature and the freedom to move or add on.
What are the downsides of yurt living?
Less space, more exposure to the weather, more upkeep and approval as a permanent home is not a given.
How long does a yurt last?
The outer cover lasts about 7 years and can be replaced, starting from around $3,000 delivered, depending on size.
Can a family live in a yurt?
Many do. Our family lived off-grid in an 8m yurt for over four years. Check with your council about permanent use.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you're planning and where it's going, and we'll help you pick the right size and range. Or grab the Buyer's Guide with $500 off.
