Why are round tents a blend of tradition and modernity?

Table of Contents

Round Tents: Embracing Nomadic Heritage and Modernity

Round tents have been around for thousands of years, mostly from the Central Asian nomadic societies. These tents are distinguished by their circular form and a framework made of wooden ribs or lattices that is covered in materials that are easy to move and durable, such felt or animal skins. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the round shape aids in effectively withstanding wind and uniformly dispersing heat when heated from the center.

A collapsible hardwood frame often makes up the center component, allowing for easy construction and disassembly. For those leading nomadic lifestyles, portability is essential since it enables them to take their houses with them wherever they go. Usually conical or dome-shaped, the roof structure has a central aperture for ventilation and light, as well as to release smoke in the event that a stove is utilized inside.

Beyond their original nomadic origins, yurts have been adapted for a variety of purposes in modern times, such as eco-friendly living spaces, camping cabins, and even opulent glamping accommodations. They are well-known well beyond their Central Asian roots thanks to their distinctive structure and cultural significance.

Key features of Round tents

Round tents are distinctive and useful because of a few important characteristics:

  • Round form: One distinguishing characteristic is its round form. It makes effective air circulation possible, which improves the efficiency of heating and cooling. Additionally, the design aids in blocking wind coming from all directions. Round tents are typically made with a portable design in mind. Their lightweight, readily disassembled and reassembled components make them perfect for nomadic lifestyles.
One Peak Glamping Tents
  • Wooden Frame: Typically, they have a wooden frame made up of roof poles (uni) and lattice walls (khana), which converge at the crown, also known as the toons. Both flexibility and strength are provided by this arrangement.
  • Covering: The frame is covered in felt or canvas, which is frequently made of wool or animal pelts. This covering offers insulation and resistance to weather.
  • Central Crown and Roof Angle: Light and ventilation are made possible by the crown at the top. As needed, it can be opened or closed. The angle of the roof aids in snow and water runoff, guaranteeing endurance in all weather circumstances.

  • Insulation: To guard against extremely cold conditions, round tents frequently feature layers of insulation. They may feature extra layers of fabric or thick felt in frigid climates.
  • Simple Interior Layout: The interior is typically structured in a circle, with a stove or fireplace frequently occupying the center space. The living and sleeping quarters are arranged along the walls.

  • Decorative Features: A lot of round tents have decorative features that are representative of their own cultures. Examples of these include elaborate entrance coverings, vibrant patterns, and symbolic motifs.

  • Door Orientation: Depending on environmental or cultural circumstances, such as avoiding prevailing winds or fitting with spiritual beliefs, the door of a round tent often faces a particular direction.

  • Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Because they are made of natural materials and have no effect on the environment, these tents are frequently regarded as eco-friendly.

These characteristics add to round tents’ practicality, comfort, and cultural relevance in many parts of the world.

Design concept of Round tents

Bell Canvas Tent

Round tents, like yurts, are designed with their practicality, versatility, and cultural importance in mind. Key components of their design are as follows:

  • Circular shape: The circular shape is essential for both ensuring structural stability and making effective use of available space. It makes the tent durable in a range of weather situations by enabling an even distribution of stress and wind resistance.
  • Wooden Framework: The wooden frame of a conventional circular tent is composed of foldable, transportable lattice wall parts called khana. The roof and the coverings are supported by this framework.

  • Roof Structure: Typically, the roof is made up of poles (uni) that radiate outward from a top-centered compression ring (toono), giving it a dome- or conical-shaped appearance. If a stove is to be used inside the tent, this design’s central aperture is a must for light and ventilation purposes.

  • Coverings: In the past, coverings that provided insulation and weather protection were composed of animal skins or felt that were compressed animal wool. Canvas or other synthetic fabrics resistant to the weather can be used in modern yurts.

  • Portability: The round tent design’s portability is among its most important features. The building’s ease of disassembly, portability, and reassembling allows it to accommodate the traditional users’ nomadic lifestyle.
  • Insulation and Heating: The spherical shape makes for effective heating; a stove may be positioned in the middle, distributing heat uniformly around the room. An important factor in insulation is the covering’s material composition.
  • Cultural and Aesthetic embellishments: Round tents frequently have ornamental embellishments that pay homage to the users’ respective cultures. This might contain traditional themes, elaborate woodwork decorations, and vibrant patterns.

  • Modernization and Adaptation: Yurts have been furnished with contemporary conveniences such as electricity, plumbing, and insulation materials, which enables them to be used in a variety of climates and for extended periods of time.

  • Eco-Friendly Aspect: Round tents, similar to yurts, are an attractive option for eco-friendly living solutions because of their sustainable design and use of natural materials.

  • Versatility: Contemporary yurts can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including studios, classrooms, retreat places, permanent dwellings, and vacation rentals.

Round tents, akin to yurts, become functional and aesthetically pleasing dwellings due to this design idea that blends practicality, cultural heritage, and adaptability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, round tents such as yurts represent a special fusion of heritage, utility, and contemporary adaption. In addition to being very functional and aesthetically beautiful, their circular form provides effective air circulation and weather resistance. A dedication to eco-friendly and sustainable living is demonstrated by the use of natural materials for the framework and covering, such as wood and felt, or animal skins. 

Furthermore, these tents’ adaptation to a range of contemporary uses, such as eco-housing and glamping locations, highlights their versatility. Round tents are a symbol of the rich heritage of their origins because of the cultural significance ingrained in its decorative characteristics, which provides an additional layer of value. Round tents are essentially a monument to human ingenuity, combining old wisdom with modern demands and environmental awareness with ease.

Bell Tent

Newly Updated Blog

Contact Us

Make On-Demand Space Solutions Easier and More Efficient

Glitzcamp is a subsidiary of shelter group that has a great team of skilled architects ready to support your project or Event at any time.

When you’re ready to start your next business, get in touch with us now, and our architects will get back to you with a quote as soon as possible.

Business Email
United States Office
405 Via Chico Suite 1, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
You can upload files
CLICK ON THE BUTTON OR DRAG& DROP FILES
Upload Files
Drag files here or browse for
the above files

Get Campsite Design Inspiration in Your Inbox

Enter your email address below and we' ll send you fresh ideas and an industry brochure once a week. You' ll also get lifetime access to our library of glamping resources.