Life outside the box...
The world is changing & we're grounding back to nature, simplifying & exploring the old & new ways to feel truly at home.
Grounded yurts was born out of our own shift to living more amongst nature in 2020. During that covid shake up, we took the opportunity to re-assess what it means to be truly free, secure, balanced, healthy & alive.
The short of it is: We moved to a more natural way of living & built a yurt along the way. Since then myself & our yurt making friends have been working on improving the original standard Ger / Yurt to an even more spacious feel, rounded & durable structure that's as invitng & grounding as ever. This also has taller walls & peak hieghts for better loft / mezzanine possibilities that can be added in after.
We're excited NOW to offer the new Design & Quality of what I've named "The Grounded Rainbow" Yurt that we believe to be the most economical yurt availible in NZ today.
Note: Please see below 'How Grounded Yurts came about" for more on that part.
So, If you're looking for an affordable home, extra room, separate office, healing sanctuary, workshop space or to offer naturally grounding yet luxurious accommodation or space whatever the size?
Then the Grounded Rainbow Yurt maybe the perfect solution for you.
I look forward to connecting & working with you on your yurt journey!
What's a Yurt? Then, Now & Soon to Be.
Yurts have a long history dating back thousands of years to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia where they were used as portable dwellings. Over time, yurts have evolved and have become popular with people looking for eco-friendly and low-cost housing solutions. Today, yurts are widely used as primary homes, holiday homes, guest houses, offices, yoga studios / sanctuary & workshop space and more. What is a Yurt? A yurt is a round building with a domed roof. The walls are made of felt, hides or, more commonly like ours, canvas or heavy duty Vinyl. The interior structure is usually made of strong wood. Above all, yurts are simple & economical to build, yet look & feel next level amazing ! They are easy to heat & can handle all sorts of weather with ease. They can be moved yet make comfortable permanent homes too. They are the ideal shelter for a survivalist who wants to be prepared for anything & be in high vibes doing it. What more could you want in your space.
How to unfold a STANDARD Yurt
1. Choose Yurt size & color. Connect & Order your Grounded Yurt with Deb,
2. Prepare foundation + drip board or purchase premade insulated platform.
3. Receive & check the Yurt. Let Deb know all is well & good to go up.
4. Spread around lattice walls & secure door frame to your base
5. Weave tension cable around top of lattice walls, attach above door
6. Slot rafters evenly between compression ring & tension cable
7. 4 layers: 1, Internal fabric. 2. Wool insulation. 3. Plastic. 4.Outter Canvas / PVC.
8. Position fabric with door - Gather up through top hole, over roof & down sides
9. Place the dome on top & attach.
10. Customize - Celebrate - Decorate - Relax & Enjoy!
What Grounded Yurts are made of...
How our Grounded Yurts came about...
After many chanllenges during my 1st journey of building a Yurt
I started working with a Traditional Yurt maker, & put them through the "circle of trust" tests!
Over the years we confirmed integrity & personable qualifications to work together.
From there we've created new improved Grounded Rainbow Yurts to now be able to offer NZ an economically sound & stunning quality yurt to ground down on your own piece of NZ paradise.
Grounded Yurt Size, Price & Dimensions?
Cost shown here includes:
Grounded Rainbow, international shipping & importing fees.
*Not including NZgst
Pre made Platforms.
Delivered with your yurt.
The hard parts done for you.
for 5mtr yurt NZD$5500.
Insulation:
80mm styrofoam
6 meter $7500
Sustain beam 60mm *90mm
Pine wood
7 meter yurt
platform: $9500
Ground layer:
treated wood thickness 29mm
Floor level:
15mm thick wood
Pre-made Insulated Platforms
Order with your Grounded yurt for a fraction of the price & time of building materials & labour.
Comes in sections for easy building set up.
Starts from NZD$4500 delivered with Yurt.
FAQs...
Can I customise my Yurt to fit my specific needs?
Yes, we offer customisation options for our Yurts such as adding windows and doors. Please chat with Deb about this.
What is the process for purchasing a Yurt?
I want to make purchasing a Yurt simple! Connect with me to decide what yurt is best for you. Once we've confirmed your purchase with deposit, I'll keep you updated on manufacturing process when needed. This takes about 30 days + 25days for shipping to NZ. I will then help arrange delivery from AKL port to your location. I'll be avalible to help with the build & set up process as required. You will have easy to follow step by step instructions. *Upon confirmation a 50% deposit is required to start manufacturing, with the balance due before NZ delivery.
What's the wind zone & R - value resistants rating?
The circular shape of a yurt offers inherent advantages against extreme weather.
* Wind Resistance: The yurt's rounded, dome-like form allows wind to flow smoothly around it, rather than creating the high-pressure zones that can damage the flat walls of a rectangular building.
* Reduced Pressure: This design distributes wind pressure evenly across the structure, minimizing the force applied to any single point.
Our yurts have Sheep WOOL / FELT INSULATION:
- Thickness : 4mm
- 1.2) the standard thickness of sheep’s wool insulation is 3mm, it is equal to 118mil.
- R value & resistants for wool insulation: 2.8 (m²·K)/W
How long does it take for my Yurt to be delivered?
How will my Yurt be packaged & what size crates for delivery?
Our Yurts are shipped directly to Auckland city port by sea freight. We are focused on getting your Yurt to you as quickly and safely as possible from there. 1.Manufactuing & Shipping Time: The creation takes about 30 days & the shipping time for yurts by sea freight is approximately 25 days. Please note that shipping times may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, customs clearance, and other unforeseen circumstances. 2.Shipping Cost: The cost of shipping a yurt by sea freight to Auckland port is included in your purchase. This includes packaging, fumigation and customs clearance also. 3.Tracking Information: We will provide you with tracking information for your yurt once it has been shipped. I'm happy to assist with any questions or concerns. 4.Delivery: I will confirm the final weight and dimensions so that we can arrange agreed transport for the final delivery to your location. This part will be at your cost as depends on location & type of transport. The Yurts arrive packaged in wooden boxes / crates. You can get an idea of domestic delivery needs & costs from the box sizes. Example for standard yurts: 6mtr have 2 boxes sized: - 298*116*73cm & - 151*151*53cm. 4mtr yurt comes in 1 large box sized: - 270*126*88cm Rest assured we are available each step of the way so can keep you informed throughout the process if you wish.
How long does a Yurt last?
Yurts will keep you covered and cozy for many years to come with proper care and maintenance. If you notice cover damage, you can replace the outer cover as needed. The matter of Mould & Mildew: Grounded yurts outside cover is treated by anti-mould. Depends on what type of mold you have concerns about in your area that causes the mildew, although If most common - Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumonias, then it will be prevented. It is still needed to mitigate moisture issue, as with any in natural or exposed dwelling or house. It is our suggestion to simply keep air flowing. Mould usually comes from moisture or cold, wet / damp weather, so installing a solar fan & stove jack are also a great options. As we know every dwelling requires cleaning & maintenance to prevent moisture & mould, Yurts are close to earth & made of more eco natural materials, this is why we love them. If you have concerns, then treating exposed wood with boiled linseed oil is another great way to ensure that mold & mildew do not take hold. There are many ways to prevent mould in any home. You will choose what you prefer to use & do to keep it clean with basic TLC & for other materials or products you use for your space & surroundings.
How do I maintain my Yurt once it is set up?
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your Yurt's covering, windows, and doors will help keep it in good condition. Your Yurt is designed to be waterproof once set up correctly. Regular inspection & ventilation of your Yurt should avoid any issues with Mould or mildew as is the case with some more traditional Yurts. Our Yurt materials have been selected to withstand the different climates such as the humidity we have in the north. Although just like any home or structure proper cleaning & ventilation will help prevent mildew etc. Every building needs care, whether it's a house, cabin, tent or yurt... Please see the "what we are made of" section on Ground Yurts page.
Can I see a Yurt before I purchase it?
Yes, I have one standard 6mtr yurt up at the moment, however since this one we've made improvements to them. In Summer 2025 we will also have one of our newly designed Grounded Rainbow yurts up for accomdation & display. This is at our Ahuroa homestead, Warkworth location. If you're after an idea of the space... then a good method is to get a ground stake & piece of rope, take it to your location & draw / dazzle spray or rope off a circle of the correct diameter, this will allow you to see the floor space of your Yurt and the direction you'd like the door to be facing etc.
What is your warranty / customer satisfaction policy?
At Grounded Yurts we take pride in providing great-quality Yurts at the best price point possible. We want you to be happy & satisfied with your purchase, and we stand behind the consumer guarantees provided by NZ Consumer Law. If your Yurt is faulty or damaged on arrival, & does not meet the NZ consumer guarantees. You will need to contact us immediately upon receiving your yurt. We will provide you with a replacement if required. Please note that any return or repair is subject to inspection.
What about Mould & Mildew?
One of our points of difference is that grounded yurts are as Eco Friendly as can be. They are traditionally hand made with strong materials, stitching, sturdy structure & are naturally sustainable. No chemicals are used while varnishing as the walls & rafters are made of Camphor laurel pine, a natural pesticide hardwood. Grounded yurts outside cover is treated by non toxic / natural anti-mold. Depends on what type of mold you have concerns about in your area that may cause any mildew etc, although if most common - Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumonias, then it will be naturally treated for & prevented. You still need to be mindful & mitigate moisture issue, as with any natural or exposed dwelling or house. Suggested to keep air flowing & allow ventilation of fresh air as often as possible. Mould usually comes from moisture or cold, wet / damp weather, so installing a solar fan & stove jack are also popular options. As we know every natural dwelling requires cleaning & maintenance to prevent moisture & mould, Most of us do like our Yurts to be close to the earth & grounded yurts are made of the most eco-friendly / natural materials as appropriate...this is a big part of why we love our grounded yurts. If you have concerns, then treating the lattice framework or other exposed wood with boiled linseed oil is another natural way to ensure that mold & mildew do not take hold. There are many ways to prevent mould in any dwelling / home. You can choose what you prefer to use & do to keep it clean with basic TLC. Also for what other materials or products you like to use for your space & surroundings.
How to Build your yurt & Notes on assembly
How to build your Yurt: - Start with your foundation or round platform at the same size as the yurt & drip board - Spread around lattice walls & secure door frame - Weave tension cable around top of lattice walls - Slot rafters between compression ring & tension cable - The 4 layers: 1, Internal fabric. 2. Wool insulation. 3. Plastic. 4.Outter Canvas - Position fabric with door - Gather up through top hole, over roof & down sides - Place the dome on top & attach. - Customize, Celebrate - Decorate - Relax & Enjoy ! NOTES ON ASSEMBLY: 1.Sub-frame and flooring: these are not included and will need to be arranged independently. We typically suggest building a sub-frame of either timber or steel construction, with a round timber platform to match the diameter of your yurt. I recommend using ground screws, so the yurt & platform is easily moved if ever wish to. Alternatively, you could pour a circular concrete pad. 2.Your yurt is fairly simple to build, so can be set up in a few short days with common hand tools, depending on how handy you are. Most find the difficult part is placing the outer cover over the frame. The outer cover is heavy & will need at least 4 people to lift for the larger diameter sizes. You will need a large A-frame ladder or a scaffold to reach the dome height as you need to pass the outer cover through the dome from inside, before spreading out. 3.A rewarding experience: The joy of building your yurt is reminiscent of the old homesteading "barn raising party" - Get some friends and family around to help and create memories that will last a lifetime! Also see my basic How to build a yurt guide on cover page & above.
Do you provide installation services for your Yurts?
We don't personally offer installation of our Yurts, but most able-bodied people find the process straight forward and easy enough to unpack, unfold and put up themselves with some help from 4+ strong mates. The initial building on the platform / sub-frame / base which sometimes requires additional expertise depending what type of base you opt for. I recommend ground screw to place the platform on so it’s easily moveable in the future. I can certainly guide you through the process and offer advice if you do need to engage a tradesman or other help.
How did we get these quality Yurts down here in NZ?
Grounded yurts was born out of our own shift to living more amongst nature in 2020. During that covid shake up, we took the opportunity to re-assess what it means to be truly free, secure, balanced, healthy & alive. The short of it is: We moved to a more natural way of living & built a yurt along the way. Since then myself & our yurt making friends have been working on improving the original standard yurt to an even more spacious feel, rounded & durable structure that's as invitng & grounding as ever. We're excited NOW to offer the new Design & Quality of what I've named "The Grounded Rainbow" Yurt that we believe to be the most economical yurt availible in NZ today. These Eco-friendly wooden yurts are naturally simple, traditionally handmade & amazing value for money! From 2024 it's became one of my projects to help other yurt & land lovers enjoy natural life outside the box.
What are Grounded yurts made of?
Our Grounded yurts are as Eco Friendly as possible while hand made with strong materials and solid structure for naturally sustainability. No chemicals are used in staining or varnishing as they are made of an ecstatically pleasing Camphor Laurel pine, a natural pesticide hardwood. 1.Base: A solid wood round framed platform with a recommended 20-25 cm drip board attached is generally used as a yurt base. While ‘Grounded yurts’ do not currently provide platforms, I can give some top tips if you wish. We are in the process of sourcing economical & moveable platforms & frames with ground screw posts. 2.Lattice Walls & Rafters: These are made of Camphor laurel pine, a natural pesticide hardwood. Our frames are hand built in the traditional Mongolian style, the lattice walls need to be pulled right round to meet the double doors, any extra windows need to be cut into the frame if desired. The rafters are evenly spaced between the compression ring and tension cable making up the frame of the roof. 3.Compression Ring & Dome: The steel with wood centre ring is at the apex of the roof and attaches to the rafters to help bear the weight and load of the roof keeping the structure erect. Our standard rings are 100cm in diameter on 6mtr yurts and 80cm on the 4mtr yurts. The 10mm thick Perspex (PMMA) Dome sits attached on top of the ring. 4.Grounded Yurts has a total of four layers: - Interior: Made of a 65% cotton, 35% hemp fabric. Grounded yurts offers 9 interior colours to choose from. *Traditionally, interior colour matches exterior roof colour, these days you get to choose. - Insulation: Wool Felt 1100g/m2 (similar to the eco wool batts in NZ) superior insulation for both cold and hot conditions. - Waterproofing: This is a polypropylene waterproof clear plastic material which is 1.6mils in thickness. - Exterior: Outer wall and roof layer is a PVC coated high tenacity poly-cotton canvas material which is 1.5 mils thick. We now have a large selection of 20 colours to choose from for different roof and wall colours to blend in with your natural landscape or stand out and be seen. Note: STITCHING: Is made from high strength quality thread, specification is 20S/3. Material 100% polyester, as this is made to last! 5.Windows: yurts come stock with 2 windows in sizes under 7mtrs. Our windows are a new design still remaining quite simple. This design boasts fixed bug mesh, and the roll-down poly-cotton canvas storm panel. They are equipped with sturdy ties to hold windows open. (Additional windows can be added). Interior of windows is neatly trimmed out with hook and loop strips to protect interior layers while adding a clean finish. 6.Doors: Grounded yurts are currently offering three styles of doors all constructed of Camphor Pine: Solid, Panel, and French style double doors are our current offering. Glass is 5mm tempered glass. 180cm high x 102cm wide.
