Off-grid Jero yurt assembles in a few hours, can be towed by bike
August 27, 2014
Ancient nomadic people knew a thing or two about living off-grid, so it makes sense that Scottish company Trakke drew on the traditional Central Asian yurt for inspiration when designing a modern shelter. The Jero yurt can serve as an extra bedroom, a basic off-grid dwelling, or a glamping retreat. The company also says it's towable by bike and can be assembled in a few hours without any tools.
The Jero was launched a couple of weeks ago and is constructed from canvas and marine plywood, with stainless steel hardware and polyester rope. Trakke founder Alec Farmer told Gizmag that while comparable yurts made in a traditional style can weigh up to 500 kg (1,102 lb), the Jero weighs a significantly lighter 110 kg (242 lb).
"To minimize the weight while maintaining the structural integrity of the yurt we looked to nature for solutions – the unique telescopic roof struts are held together using a block designed to replicate the strength and durability of a vertebrae," explains Uula Jero, who designed the yurt and lent it his name. "Using CNC fabrication techniques, we have been able to cut far more complex shapes that allow us to strip as much material away as possible without compromising on strength."
When folded and packed away, the Jero measures 1.2 x 08. x 0.5 m (3.9 x 2.6 x 1.64 ft), so should fit easily into most cars. Farmer also told us that it can be carried on a bicycle trailer, and while this is definitely not for the faint-hearted, Uula Jero reports that he successfully moved the first prototype of the yurt all over Cologne, Germany, by bike and trailer.
Inside, the Jero measures 12 sq m (129 sq ft), and access is gained via its sole removable door. The yurt measures 4 m (13 ft) in diameter and rises to a maximum height of 2.6 m (8.5 ft). A team of three people can erect the yurt in around two hours without any tools, and its waterproof and rotproof canvas should ensure that the interior stays dry.
The Jero Yurt is available to purchase from Trakke and will set you back £4,500 (around US$7,460).
Source: Trakke
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