Mindful Living has been building unique round homes since 1982, evolving the ancient yurt concept into modern wooden structures with state-of-the-art craftsmanship. Their designs range from compact 158 square foot structures to larger family homes approaching 1,000 square feet.
Design Details
Builder: Mindful Living (Yurtworks)
Established: 1982
Construction: Wooden yurt structures
Smallest Model: Wolf Creek 1 (158 sq ft, 13′ diameter)
McKenzie Series: 669-912 sq ft (24′-29′ diameter)
Delivery: Shipped as finished product
About Mindful Living’s Approach
From their company description:
Mindful Living began the business of building unique round homes in 1982. Now, a quarter century later, it has expanded and evolved to become the established business it is today. The conception, implementation and achievement of our homes depends on each individual in the team, and because our homes are essentially shipped as a finished product, we have exact standards of quality and excellence. We’ve adapted our business practice to accommodate the needs of our clients, so that what Genghis Khan started hundreds of years ago Mindful Living has refined into state-of-the-art craftsmanship; efficient, affordable and exceptional.
Dan Louche designed and built a tiny house for his mother after she experienced health problems from mold in her previous home. This interview covers his design decisions, the build process, and advice for first-time builders.
Design Details
Builder: Dan Louche
Dimensions: 8′ x 20′
Foundation: Trailer
Layout: Single level (no sleeping loft)
Features: Large dormers front and back for headroom
This gypsy wagon-style trailer converts the traditional caravan concept into a mobile spa, featuring a sauna and jacuzzi on wheels. Designed by Harriet Hone, the concept addresses a practical challenge for tiny house communities: providing wellness amenities that don’t fit in compact living spaces.
Design Details
Designer: Harriet Hone
Style: Gypsy wagon / caravan
Foundation: Trailer (towable)
Features: Sauna, jacuzzi, spa facilities
Application: Tiny house communities, mobile wellness services
The Camping Cocoon from DH Log Cabins resembles a miniature A-frame house, creating a compact shelter suitable for camping, backyard retreats, home offices, or hobby spaces. The distinctive shape provides weather-shedding roof coverage while maintaining a small footprint.
Design Details
Manufacturer: DH Log Cabins (UK)
Style: A-frame / cocoon shape
Features: Built-in corner seats on front porch
Windows: Window in door, window in back
Uses: Camping shelter, garden office, hobby room, meditation space
Architecture firm SelgasCano designed their studio as a partially submerged structure in a forest outside Madrid. The office sits half-buried in the woodland floor with a curved transparent roof that brings the surrounding trees into the workspace.
Design Details
Architect: SelgasCano (José Selgas and Lucía Cano)
Location: Forest near Madrid, Spain
Type: Architecture studio / office
Construction: Partially underground with curved transparent roof
A woman known as the “Yurt Lady” has been living in a yurt at 9,300 feet elevation in rural Colorado for several years. Her property sits on 10 acres adjacent to a national forest, where she documents her experience transitioning from conventional housing to yurt living.
Design Details
Location: Rural Colorado, 9,300 feet elevation
Property: 10 acres adjacent to national forest
Current Yurt: 16′ diameter (trial size)
Planned Yurt: 30′ diameter (under construction)
Background: Transitioned from oversized conventional home
This ceiling hideaway bed offers an alternative to Murphy beds for small spaces. The bed floats in the middle of the room when in use, then lifts electronically into the ceiling during the day, transforming the sleeping area into open living space.
Design Details
Type: Electric ceiling lift bed
Operation: Electronic lift system
Storage Position: Concealed in ceiling
Ceiling Treatment: Decorative paneling and lighting when stored
Best For: Studios and small apartments with flat ceilings
Alternative: Murphy beds work better for tiny houses with sloped roofs
This yurt village at Herston Camp Site in Swanage, Dorset, UK features authentic Mongolian yurts (gers) made in Mongolia. The village offers six yurts of various sizes, each equipped with traditional furnishings and wood-burning stoves.
Design Details
Location: Herston Camp Site, Washpond Lane, Swanage, Dorset, UK
Yurt Count: Six yurts in various sizes
Construction: Authentic Mongolian-made gers
Insulation: Traditional felt
Heating/Cooking: Wood-burning stoves
Furnishings: Table, double futon bed, two single futons per yurt
The Cook ‘n Roll concept by designer Zivile Januskaityte combines multiple kitchen functions into a single compact unit. This all-in-one appliance includes a cooktop, dishwasher, sink, storage, oven, and sanitizer within a small table-sized footprint.
