Biomimetic Yurt-Lung Ventilation System

Project Overview

This research project proposes a revolutionary ventilation system for Mongolian yurts (gers) that mimics the branching structure of human lungs. Traditional yurts face a critical challenge: balancing thermal insulation with adequate airflow, especially during harsh winters where temperatures can drop to -40°F.

Current solutions often prioritize insulation at the expense of air quality, leading to elevated CO₂ levels and poor ventilation. This biomimetic approach offers a third way—integrating nature-inspired ventilation channels directly into the insulation layer to maintain warmth while enabling natural airflow.

The Problem

Traditional yurts struggle with ventilation-insulation tradeoff:

• Single smoke hole design creates inadequate air circulation and significant heat loss
• Cold climate performance - winters in Mongolia reach -40°F, demanding excellent insulation
• Indoor air quality issues - poor ventilation leads to dangerous CO₂ accumulation
• Modification dilemma - most insulation improvements reduce airflow further
• Cultural preservation - solutions must respect traditional circular architecture and portability

Project Meta

Keywords

Biomimetic Inspiration: The Human Lung

The human respiratory system efficiently exchanges gases through a branching network of airways that maximize surface area while minimizing flow resistance. This project translates that biological principle into architectural form.

Key Biological Principles Applied:

• Hierarchical branching - Ducts split at optimized angles to reduce airflow resistance
• Surface area maximization - Multiple pathways distribute airflow evenly
• Passive operation - Natural convection drives air movement, similar to pressure differentials in lungs
• Adaptive geometry - Duct sizing varies to balance flow velocity and volume

Proposed Design

System Architecture:

• Materials: Lightweight, frost-resistant PVC ducts embedded in traditional felt and wool insulation
• Duct network: Branching configuration inspired by bronchial tree structure
• Thermal performance: Insulation maintains low thermal conductivity (0.04 W/m·K)
• Adjustable layers: Modular felt/wool system allows climate customization
• Cultural integrity: Preserves traditional circular yurt form and conical roof geometry
• No mechanical systems: Entirely passive operation—no electricity required

Research Methodology

Expected Outcomes & Impact

Technical Contributions:

• Validated design framework for integrating biomimetic ventilation in traditional structures
• Quantified performance metrics comparing passive ventilation efficiency to traditional methods
• Replicable methodology for applying respiratory-inspired design to other architectural contexts

Broader Impact:

• Cultural preservation: Enables continued use of traditional yurts with modern comfort standards
• Global housing crisis: Principles applicable to portable, temporary, and emergency housing worldwide
• Climate resilience: Passive systems reduce energy dependence in extreme climates
• Sustainable development: Demonstrates how traditional knowledge + biomimicry can address modern challenges

Learn More

Read the full research proposal for detailed methodology, technical specifications, and theoretical framework.

References