PREFABRICATED WOODEN YURT MODEL DADU

SEATTLE WA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Dream.Design.Build. has been custom designing yurt-inspired round houses throughout the US and Canada since 2012. Each project starts with a prefabricated shell manufactured in Washington’s Methow Valley by our partners at Smiling Woods Yurts.

This model DADU submission is based upon a successful project we designed and permitted for a north Seattle residence in 2017. The unit was lovingly completed in 2018 as a true mother-in-law to support an extended family. The wooden “yurt” kit (consisting of exterior 2×6 wall panels, 2×12 roof structure, metal roofing panels, 5ft compression ring and central skylight, and hardware) was assembled within two weeks upon a stem wall foundation and floor deck.

Once the shell was up, providing a dried-in work space, the rest was just like any other residential building relying on known contractor skillsets. The covered porch design shown here was eliminated from the permitted project but remains an optional feature.

PROJECT NARRATIVE

This model DADU is based upon the aesthetic and structural principles of the traditional yurt—a pure circular structural shell with a conical roof harmonizing the forces of tension and compression—while exceeding engineering and energy code requirements. In an urban setting dominated by strict orthogonal planning, round structures offer relief through their organic form.

Energy Efficiency

Round structures contain 12% less volume to heat and cool than rectilinear structures with the same footprint. When combined with natural convection currents created by the circular plan and conical roof, they offer a highly efficient, low energy consumption housing alternative.

Constructability

These 25ft wooden yurt kits can be completely assembled on-site in as little as two weeks, hastening the construction process and rapidly providing dried-in workspace. Furthermore, because the prefabricated shell arrives as a kit-of-parts, it greatly reduces the amount of construction noise in residential neighborhoods.

Neighbor friendly

While DADU’s provide solutions for densification, they present a challenge in terms of the impact on neighboring residences faced with sheer walls built against allowable setbacks. Circular structures, however, ease away from adjacent properties with curving walls, and their conical roof lines permit sunlight to pass through while enhancing view corridors with their iconic profiles.

Cost effective

Family Friendly

This model DADU is designed with an en-suite master bedroom below an open loft which, with code-compliant stair and egress windows, can accommodate a second bedroom for a small family.

Privacy

Rectilinear DADU plans is limited in orientation to four turns and a mirror. This wooden yurt model DADU plan can be dialed to any orientation. Thus, windows can be turned towards desirable views, and away from adjacent structures or yards where privacy is preferred.

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS, AS SHOWN
- 25’ DIAMETER KIT WITH 12’ EXTERIOR WALL PANELS.
- 500 SF MAIN FLOOR + 250 SF LOFT + 210 SF COVERED PORCH (OPTIONAL)
- 1-BEDROOM, 1-FULL BATHROOM, KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM, OPEN LOFT

PREFABRICATED KIT PACKAGE (BY SMILING WOODS YURTS) INCLUDES:

- STANDARD PRE-ASSEMBLED WALL PANELS INCLUDE 2X6 STUDS, 1/2”
  CDX PLYWOOD SHEATHING; VAPOR BARRIER, 1X6 T&G CEDAR SIDING,
  PRE-INSTALLED VINYL WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR SIMPSON DOORS.
  UPGRADES AVAILABLE ON SIDING AND WINDOW PACKAGES.
- 2X12 ROOF RAFTERS, SUFFICIENT DEPTH TO MEET R-38 VAULTED
  CEILING INSULATION REQUIREMENTS.
- 5’ DIA. GLULAM COMPRESSION RING AND STEEL TENSION CABLES,
  ENGINEERED TO EXCEED LOCAL STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.
- METAL ROOFING PANELS AND FLASHING KIT, COMPLETE WITH ALL
  HARDWARE AND AIR VENTILATION COMPONENTS.
- OPTIONAL: PORCH ROOFING
- 5 FT OPERABLE SKYLIGHT, ELECTRIC POWER OPTION.

NOT INCLUDED:
- FOUNDATION MATERIALS AND SILL PLATE
- MAIN FLOOR AND LOFT FLOOR DECKS
- WALL AND CEILING FINISHES
- INSULATION AND UTILITIES
- FIXTURES AND FINISHES
- PORCH DECK AND ROOF STRUCTURE

MECHANICAL SYSTEM RECOMMENDED:
- 2-ZONE ELECTRIC MINI-SPLIT DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP
- ZONE 1: MAIN OPEN LIVING SPACE AND KITCHEN
- ZONE 2: MASTER BEDROOM
- LOFT HEATED BY WAY OF NATRUAL CONVECTION CURRENTS
- MASTER BATHROOM HEATED BY WALL MOUNTED CONVECTION HEATER

CUSTOM HOME DESIGNER: DREAM.DESIGN.BUILD.,INC.
- COST FOR MODEL DADU PLAN TEMPLATE: $1000
- COST TO REVISE OR COORDINATE ENGINEERING: $125/HR

CONSTRUCTION COSTS:
- 25’ PREFABRICATED WOODEN YURT KIT WITH 12’ WALLS: APX. $36,000
- TOTAL COST TO FINISH: $150-$200/SF, OR $112,000-$150,000 (INCLUDING THE COST OF THE PREFABRICATED KIT)