http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_architecture

Portable Geodisic Yurts

Known for their lightweight construction and strength as well as for the large amount of light they let in, they are made with a strong, tear-resistant fabric and non-puncturing tarp fasteners. They are truly portable and guaranteed to be leak proof. These Yurts have served as family living spaces, camping tents, emergency shelters, studios, playrooms, retreats, fair pavilions, expedition tents, research tents, and more. Note that on this site we use the terms domes and yurts interchangeably.

Sturdy Design

Yurts are stronger than any other structure made of the same materials. Because of its curved shape with no corners, there are no weak points.

The frame and the covering are not in direct contact. The important benefits from this design are that the covering is under constant, even tension so that the tent will not flap or shred in the wind. The poles cannot rub against the covering, thereby wearing holes in it. Water and leaf debris do not get caught in dips between the poles since the covering is tightly suspended under the poles. The poles and covering are not touching, so there is no temperature buildup to degrade the fabric at contact points.

The buildup of moisture is driven out through the overlapped panels by vapor pressure and does not condense inside the tent.

The covering effectively excludes rain, dampness, wind, cold, leaves and other debris. The completely waterproof covering and the shingling's breathability make a rain fly unnecessary. The covering is manufactured in three layers which are heat bonded together. It is UV-stabilized to withstand up to 3 years of full sun exposure. The white color of the covering defuses the sun and provides 40% shade.

The translucent white covering creates a bright interior, transmitting 60% of the light.

The dome shape has other comfort features: The interior can be divided into "rooms." The tent has more volume than a flat-sided one and therefore feels, and is, more spacious. The shape is more heat efficient because less fuel is needed to heat it plus the heat circulates more evenly.

Comparing the package size and weight, and door size of domes.

Comparisons in square feet, square meters, cubic feet, and cubic meters per dome.

	8'-Yurt	11' Yurt	14' Yurt	18' Yurt	20' Yurt	30 ' Yurt
sq ft	50  sq ft	95  sq ft	154  sq ft	254  sq ft	314  sq ft	706  sq ft
sq m	4.65  sq m	8.84  sq m	14.32  sq m	23.62  sq m	29.2  sq m	65.66  sq m
ft 3	183.5 ft 3	348 ft 3	718 ft 3	1526ft 3	2093 ft 3	4662.5 ft 3
m 3	5.25  m 3	9.95  m 3	20.5  m 3	43.5  m 3	60  m 3	133 m 3

 

The number of persons that can sleep in each dome.

Comparing the Width and Height of the Doors

Note that the doors are not as wide at the top as they are at the bottom

	8' Yurt	11' Yurt	14' Yurt	18' Yurt	20' Yurt	30 ' Yurt
Door Size	50"x 50"	55"x55"	42"x42"	51"x51"	64"x64"	69"x69"

 

 

Comparing the Width and Height Arch of 14',18', 20', and 30' in Opened Arch

 

Dome Size	Width of Opening	Height of Opening	Diameter at Shortest
14' dome	11' 6 "	5' 6"	9.1'
18' dome	14' 6"	7'	11.8'
20' dome	16' 6"	7' 5"	13.1'
30' dome	23' 5"	7' 4"	24.5'

 

Relative volumes of the 30'er, 20' Bubble, 20'er, 18' Bubble, 18'er, 14' Bubble, 14'er, 10' Bubble, 11'er, and the 8'er

Side view of 30'er, 20' Bubble, 20'er, and 18' Bubble

Side view of 18'er, 14' Bubble, 14'er, 10' Bubble, 11'er, and 8'er