Would you, Have you, LIVED in a TIPI?

I have that book mentioned above and it is a great book FULL of information--if you get a tipi get the book(well get the book first).

THe thing to remember is that the native americans made different types of houses according to local materials and specific design for local weather. The tipi was used by the plains indians and I think maybe the indians on the plains in eastern washington(high deserty, in any case a dry climate)--the tipi is designed to withstand high winds, be cool in summer, warm in winter, be easily portable, easy to tear down/set up, and shed snow. But it's not so great in rainy climates, it would be susesptible to rot and you'd be fighting the damp.

Look up what the natives built in your area of BC, I'm thinking it would be a cedar log/bark lodge if you are on the coast. No use trying to make something work that isn't designed to work in your climate--I mean, the indians had thousands of years to perfect their technology, why try to reinvent the wheel and end up with something half-donkey.

On the Oregon coast they use yurts in the state parks and they've stood up well in all that rain and wind.

I think it would be awesome to live in one. I had a neighbor who had one and she would set it up during the summer, and took it down when the rain started(left the poles up). I've also stayed in one(a real one with all the parts) over in Bend(high desert) at Tumalo State Park. It had a little heater in the middle, was built in a deck with carpeting(ha well that stuff wasn't "real"). It was below 20' at night and we had 7 people and one dog sleeping in it and we were warm enough for sleeping without the heater going. We turned the heater on in the morning, and it got really warmed up quick, so I imagine they are pretty easy to heat. I remember it was a very cozy peaceful feeling sleeping in it, it was really cool.

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My best friend, when I was in high school, lived in a tipi in the mountains of NM during the winter... because the cabin they usually lived in was too cold (guess it didn't heat up well). The tipi was warmer for the winter weather. And during the rest of the year, her dad would take it with him to work construction jobs. They loved it.

We had a tipi here for the last five years. The outside of the canvas finally broke down due to the being exposed to the outside elements for so long. A raised platform would definitely be good. They are quite windproof but you definitely will want a liner. May be a fun adventure!

It is so refreshing to read everyone's posts on this thread! I think culture and media has brainwashed me into believing what is necessary for shelter. I would've never thought of living in a tipi until reading this. I like how everyone thinks outside the box. A house is just a box- so why can't it be a cone? Thanks for all the insight, everyone!