Oh, the yurts seem much more comfortable, and the lower ceiling would make it easier to heat. The problem is that they're time-consuming to build, if you have to include collecting the materials. The sides are many pieces of wood, criss-crossed (see central photo here: http://pacificyurts.com/what/default.aspx ), and the roof supports might be hard to get into position without help. And I believe the roof supports are held together at the top with a cable. You'd really have to plan ahead.

That said, I would still love to have one!

Sue