Something New

You no doubt have heard of giving something a smoke test. Well, at the Ark Encounter, we are giving something a wind test. Due to the site being located on the top of a ridge, the winds are very strong and always seem to be blowing. As a result, we need to try structures that are not permanent but can withstand the wind; thus our crew has constructed a traditional yurt—a portable round tent used for dwellings by nomads of Central Asia. The structure is made up of a latticework of wood, a door frame, ribs, and a crown. The top of the wall of self-supporting yurts is prevented from spreading by means of a tension band which opposes the force of the roof ribs.

So when you come to visit the Ark Construction Observation and you see this yurt off in the distance, you will know why it is standing alone. It’s a test yurt. If it withstands the elements, you will probably see many more upon your visit to the Ark Encounter when we open in 2016. They could be used for specialty shops as you make your way toward the Ark.